The candidate forums hosted by the League of Women Voters-Austin Area (LWV) concluded last night without any major technical difficulties unlike failing audio incident the night before.

With a similar format from the previous forum, Jude Andrews from the LWV served as the moderator for the first hour introducing the candidates and allowing a two-minute time period for self-introductions, where hopefuls presented their qualifications and convictions.

Candidates present included for county attorney, Patrick

Oman, incumbent and Patrick Flanagan; for county sheriff, Terese Amazi and Todd Clennon; County treasurer, Doug Groh and Lynn Koch.

In the second hour, with Pat Piper as the moderator, candidates featured included: 3rd District county commissioner, incumbent David Hillier; 4th District Len Miller, incumbent and Dick Lang, challenger, 5th District Garry Ellingson incumbent and Harry Willmott.

The first question of the night was addressed to the county sheriff candidates, who continued to receive a majority of questions throughout the forum. Amazi and Clennon were asked who would they choose as chief deputy once in office. Another caller addressed Clennon, stating that his campaign had been built on criticism and asked if he thought the current chief deputy had done anything right in the last 14 years.

Clennon responded by saying that the statement was inaccurate. He clarified letters that he had put in the paper were simply his opinion on matters that have happened with the sheriff department and he would never do anything that would fracture the respect and friendship that they have.

Candidates discussed major issues such as jail overcrowding, hate crimes, budget, public safety, staff development within departments and the increase in burglaries. A total of 11 questions were asked and because of the time limitation, Andrews invited candidates to look at the rest of the questions brought up by callers and addressed them at other events.

In the second hour of the forum, county commissioners candidates also had a last chance to urge the voters for support and their vote on Nov. 5.

Hillier explained to viewers the role of a county commissioner and its importance, with Piper, the moderator commenting on the amount of power commissioners have. LWV and viewers questions covered budget issues including fund balances and increases on tax levies. The forum concluded with Piper telling viewers to take a friend to the polls Wednesday and vote.

Roxana Orellana can be reach at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto:roxana.orellana@austindailyherald.com