The strains of the tune "I shot the sheriff' were an intriguing background for a Mower County Sheriff's debate Thursday morning. Then again, this was classic rock radio station, Power 96 from Albert Lea, which hosted three candidates for the debate.

Terese Amazi, Michael Cherney and Todd Clennon answered listeners' calls for an hour Thursday.

On Sept. 10, voters must decide among the three in the state primary election. The two leading vote-getters will then advance to the Nov. 5, general election.

Mower County Sheriff Barry J. Simonson is not seeking re-election after two four-year terms in office.

Amazi is the chief deputy in the Mower County Sheriff's Department. Clennon is an Austin Police Department patrolman. Cherney is a lieutenant in the Lanesboro Police Department and acting police chief there. He also serves on the Adams City Council in the community where he lives.

Radio station listeners asked questions about jail security and future plans for detention of offenders, mandatory drug and alcohol testing of sheriff department employees, the physical fitness of the sheriff and his or her investigative abilities, forming a partnership with Freeborn County on a joint jail venture and what made them believe they were the best candidate for Mower County sheriff.

Clennon said he wanted to create a "safe and secure environment

in the Mower County Jail and court system, more moral support and communications with patrol deputies, while taking "a more active role in law enforcement" as county sheriff.

Amazi said a new county-wide communications system will debut in spring 2003 and the "jail situation" is being addressed by a study authorized by the Mower County Board of Commissioners.

Cherney said he wanted more training for patrol deputies

and "more command structure" in the department The latter would be utilized to target specific criminal investigation areas, such as crimes against farms and farm families and drug trafficking.

Amazi defended her appointment by Simonson to become the county's new emergency preparedness director.

Amazi and Cherney listed more experience at budgeting than Clennon, but he showed basic common financial sense when he said, "We don't want to foolishly spend money in areas where we don't need it."

The candidates were divided over random drug testing for sheriff's department employees.

"I believe it's a good policy," said Cherney, "We need to maintain a clean house ourselves."

Amazi said Mower County has a policy in place governing all county employees.

Clennon opposed mandatory testing of peace officers, saying today's background screening is enough.

Cherney was the most willing candidate to institute a wellness program for the department, but he stopped short of encouraging a "fitness" program.

Amazi and Clennon thought it was unnecessary and that officers would voluntarily work out to ensure they are physically fit to do their jobs.

On the subject of the sheriff having investigative experience, Clennon recounted how he worked cases as a street officer in the inner city of Kansas City, Mo. and learned from being among the first officers on the scene of some of Austin's most violent crimes

Amazi told about her extensive investigator training in different areas including

narcotics, child abuse and welfare fraud.

Cherney said his military police experience and city police duties were important.

Cherney also agreed with charging prisoners a daily fee for incarceration "I think it's a great idea. I don't think all the burden should fall on the taxpayers' shoulders, " he said.

Amazi and Clennon said it was very frustrating to them to see prisoners with money obtained by illegal means "enjoy" their stay in the jail and leave with the money intact.

After more questions on the jail situation for Mower County, the candidates were asked why they considered themselves the best candidate.

Clennon said, "I know what it takes to aggressively fight crime."

Amazi said she has the experience and is constantly adding to it, including a current stint of canine handling training.

Cherney said the key to being a sheriff is the same key to managing a company

and said he can do that best of all.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at

:mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com