BENTONVILLE -- The four Republican candidates for Benton County sheriff will meet in at least two forums.
Sheriff Kelley Cradduck seeks re-election to a third term, and he has three opponents in Maj. Shawn Holloway with the sheriff's office, Cpl. Timothy Filbeck with the Siloam Springs Police Department and Lt. Paul Pillaro with the Lowell Police Department.
They will debate at noon Tuesday at the Benton County Republican Women meeting and at 7 p.m. Jan. 25 before the Siloam Springs Republican Women.
The four spoke at a forum at Northwest Arkansas Community College on Thursday. They answered questions on a variety of topics, from response times to possible expansion of the county jail. They also sparred about the contention that surrounds Cradduck.
Special prosecutor Jason Barrett will handle an investigation that concerns the hiring of former jail deputy Gabriel Cox. Cradduck is accused of trying to backdate Cox's hiring date. Cox recently was terminated after he was arrested in connection with misdemeanor drug charges.
During the forum, Cradduck described the investigation as "political." He said he was trying to help a homeless youth by getting him a job.
Holloway, Filbeck and Pillaro said they would respect whatever decision Barrett reaches.
Barrett declined to comment on the Arkansas State Police investigation of Cradduck.
The forum Thursday drew a crowd of about 140 people.
Jeff Geurian of Bentonville, who attended the event, said candidates usually are more forthcoming at forums than in other situations, where they might just make political statements. Geurian said he wants to make an informed decision when he votes and that he believes people can learn a lot about candidates by attending forums or debates.
Zach Hoyt of Pea Ridge decided to go to the forum after he saw political signs posted by the candidates. Hoyt said he wanted to hear the candidates' stances on various issues.
Glenn Latham is an independent candidate for sheriff and will face the winner of the Republican primary. There are no Democratic candidates.
Latham is campaigning as he waits to find out who his opponent will be.
"I already know the four of them, and they have similar opinions on the issues," Latham said. "I believe I will have different ideas than whoever wins the March 1 [primary] election."
Early voting starts Feb. 16.
Metro on 01/18/2016