BERKSHIRE COUNTY, Mass. — The race is on to decide the Democratic primary election for Berkshire county sheriff.

The chief probation officer for the southern Berkshire district, Alf Barbalunga, is running against two-term incumbent, Sheriff Tom Bowler. One issue, high on both candidate's radar, is how to fight the county's recidivism rates. Most inmates will get out of jail and rejoin their communities, but state numbers show after three years almost a third will return to jail. Barbalunga said he'd expand inmate services to help the issue, while Bowler said every program his office already offers is geared towards limiting re-offending.

"Every educational program, every counseling and therapy program, all of these are geared towards knocking down recidivism," Bowler said. "We strive every day with all of our programs to keep the numbers or percentages down low."

"Substance use mitigation. Education skill sets. Ultimately, all that really means for us is employment opportunities," Barbalunga said. "Berkshire County has two cities, both are in the top ten most violent crimes per capita in the commonwealth of Massachusetts. The sheriff has the ability and the duty to work with law enforcement to mitigate those types of stats. ​

Barbalunga said if elected, he'd serve no more than two terms and said nothing good comes from more than 12 years in office. Bowler said he's seeking a third term because it's his passion and he wants to continue building partnerships and serving the community.