Members of the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce got an inside look at candidates for Mower County offices Saturday.

The office-seekers squared off before an audience of Chamber members and guests at the Holiday Inn of Austin.

Sandy Forstner, executive director, and Charles Moline, chairman of the Chamber's government affairs, committee, served as time-keeper and moderator, respectively, for Saturday's forum. Sheila Tolbert sorted through the questions submitted by audience members, during the near three-hour-long forum.

Up first were candidates for seats on the Mower County Board. Third district candidate, incumbent Dave Hillier, joined

4th District Mower County Commissioner hopefuls, including incumbent Len Miller, and challenger

Dick Lang and 5th District incumbent Garry Ellingson and challenger Harry Willmott.

Mid-way through the county commissioners' debate, someone asked a question about the per diem paid to the commissioners. Lang has made it a campaign issue by circulating a flier saying his opponent Miller collects more than the rest of the county board combined.

Miller defended his per diem payments. "If you want to know what's going on in the community, you have to get out of the neighborhood," he said.

Lang responded to Miller's defense saying, "I stay in my neighborhood to find out what's going on there."

Mower County Sheriff hopefuls Terese Amazi and Todd Clennon offered contrasting styles.

Amazi, currently chief deputy in the Mower County Sheriff's Department, touted her experience in law enforcement. Clennon extolled his belief of a more aggressive, hands-on county sheriff.

Mower County Attorney Patrick A. Oman and Assistant Mower County Attorney Patrick W. Flanagan had the toughest and, perhaps, most personal questions to answer from the Chamber audience.

Flanagan fielded the first, when he was asked about his campaign committee co-chairs Paul Philipp and Barry Simonson and if the Minnesota Attorney General was contacted before allowing a police chief and county sheriff to steer his election bid.

Flanagan said it was the individuals' personal decision and, no, he did not contact the Attorney General.

As for the many law enforcement endorsements he has received, Flanagan said, "They are supportive of the work style I have."

Oman said conflict between law enforcement and prosecutors was essential in ensuring the integrity of one of the "checks and balances" in the American justice system.

Lee Bonorden can be reached at 434-2232 or by e-mail at lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com