The men already working in law enforcement or who have had similar jobs in the past mentioned that experience. Caldwell is Burgin police chief and the only GOP candidate working in law enforcement. Kehrt and Parks are deputy sheriffs, and Kelty is Harrodsburg police chief.
Candidates for other offices also took part in the forum.
County clerk candidates vow to keep deputies
The two Democrats vying for county clerk say they would keep all of the deputy clerks in that office. "There is a lot of experience and a wealth of knowledge (with the deputy clerks)," said Chris Horn.
"They'd be your best informed people," said Daryl Russell. "I plan on keeping everyone."
In replying to a question about varied hours for the clerk's office, both candidates said they will at least look into it. Horn said people he's talked to while campaigning have asked about hours for the clerk's office that differ from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m on weekdays.
Varied hours would make it possible for people who work outside the county to take care of business at the clerk's office. "I've promised (to be open) until noon on Saturdays and evening hours at least twice a month," Russell said.
Five speak about jailer's race
In the race for Mercer County jailer, there are five Democrats running, incumbent Cleo Baker, Tommy Hurst, Michael Wayne Brown, Danny Dale Sallee Jr. and Vince Kinder. They were asked the most important duties of the jailer:
* Brown said the jailer has to be where he is needed on time, protect the public and protect the inmates.
* Hurst said the jailer should be at the disposal of the courts and the police department, remember inmates are people and be as fair and as honest as possible.
* Kinder said the jailer should treat inmates with respect, communicate and cooperate with the courts and law enforcement, and write bail bonds.
* Sallee said dependability to the courts, safety, and firm and fair treatment of inmates are needed.
* Baker said transporting inmates in a safe and secure manner is important.
There are three magisterial districts where there is more than one candidate from the Democratic Party seeking the seat. The audience was not told who was running for which of the six districts or who was running against whom.
Magesterial races
All of the candidates said their goal is economic development and that increasing the number of jobs in the county that might allow young people a chance to live and work near home. All three Democrats seeking the District 1 seat, Ronnie Sims, Jeff Bradley and Stuart Myers, participated in the forum.
We now have Associated Press videos on our site
Three of the four candidates seeking the nomination in District 4, Norris "Chigger" Flynn, Donald Webb, and James "Goose" Dunn, answered questions. George Hensley did not appear.
Incumbent Wayne Jackson of District 5 has opposition, but his opponent, Dennis Wade, did not participate in the forum.
The forum was sponsored by the executive committees of the Democratic and Republican parties, The Harrodsburg Herald and WHBN Radio.
