Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Candidates running for Lincoln County Sheriff are questioned by moderator Sue Lani Madsen at a forum hosted by the Lincoln County Republican Central Committee Friday, June 10.
DAVENPORT-Partisan candidates running for Lincoln County audiences had a chance to speak to the public and, in some cases, answer questions from concerned citizens at a forum hosted by the county Republican Central Committee at the high school auditorium here Friday evening, June 10.
After moderator Sue Lani Madsen offered an invocation and Committee chair Mary Blechschmidt led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, uncontested candidates Adam Walser (prosecutor), Chandra Schumacher (auditor) and Traci Gants (clerk) gave a brief introduction on their campaigns to the audience.
Commissioner candidates Jason Debord and incumbent Rob Coffman were up next, giving opening statements before answering questions from Madsen and the audience.
Candidates were asked their qualifications overseeing budget and policy, their views on county employee health insurance and benefits, whether they support open union negotiation (both said they do) and why they wanted the job.
Treasurer was up next. Candidates Emily Lybbert Hansen and Pete Brickner attended, while candidate Brad Sweet was on vacation. Libbie Klettke gave an opening statement on his behalf and informed the audience that Sweet would vacate his position as mayor of Davenport if elected, while Brickner said he would resign his maintenance position with the county if he got the job.
Candidates were asked their views on the top three challenges faced in the treasurer's office, which Brickner said he felt unqualified to answer with honesty, while Hansen gave two answers before ceasing comment. Klettke gave no comment on Sweet's behalf.
The main event came last with the candidates for Sheriff taking the stage in Gabe Gants, Jeff Barden, Andy Manke, Adam Johnson and Brian Telford. The candidates were asked by an audience member how they would enforce what the member viewed as unconstitutional mandates, such as mask requirements and potential gun law adjustments. They were also asked their plans for contracting with city police departments, their approach to local speeding, how they would respond to a mass casualty event and why they want the job.
The RCC's forum was one of two planned in Davenport before the primary election Aug. 2. The local Chamber of Commerce is planning for a candidate forum during the week of Pioneer Days, Thursday evening, July 14.
Drew Lawson is the editor of the Davenport Times. He is a graduate of Eastern Washington University.
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