Sheriff candidates square off: Panel asks tough questions during debate
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The first in a pair of political debates sponsored by Noon Exchange, Southern Standard and WCPI public radio was held Monday night at Warren Middle School with Sheriff Jackie Matheny, former sheriff Kenny Taylor and longtime deputy Doc Smith fielding an array of questions.
?I?ve kept my word,? said Matheny of his promise to vigorously fight crime and the war on drugs. ?I believe we have assembled the best department the county has ever had and our record speaks for itself in that we?re one of the best in the state at solving crime.?
While never having served as sheriff, Doc Smith pointed out he has 17 years of law enforcement experience, most of it here in Warren County as a deputy. He also pointed to his leadership experience in the National Guard.
?I will have an open-door policy and I plan to increase visibility and response times,? Smith said in outlining his plans. ?I have a zero tolerance for drugs.?
Taylor who served as sheriff in the late 1980s for part of a term pointed to his reputation in the community.
?My record speaks for itself,? Taylor said. ?Elect me and I?ll show you what I can do again.?
Questioning from the panel followed with Taylor being asked about his resignation midway through his term as sheriff.
?They were out to get me,? Taylor explained, not detailing who he was referring to. ?They put my children through pure hell. The day I left office I had to pick up my son at school and get him stitched up because some boys had jumped on him and told him they were going to lock his daddy up in his own jail. My children are grown now so you don?t have to sweat me leaving early this time.?
Sheriff Matheny was asked about the Champion case in which a family was arrested during a confrontation with deputies and father Hal Champion being tased during the ordeal.
Matheny said he still supports his men in what was an unfortunate situation and believes he made the right decision.
However, Taylor approached the question as it dealt with the use of tasers.
?I?m totaling against the use of the taser,? Taylor said.
?You never know what health problems the person could have,? Smith agreed in opposing tasers. ?I would just try to talk to the person as long as it took.?
Matheny disagreed, saying the taser if preferable to other forms of non-lethal force.
In the area of drugs, Matheny said his department has vigorously fought meth and also has used the department?s helicopters, all paid for through drug fines paid by drug traffickers, to seize millions in marijuana.
Taylor said he wants to see constant drug operations and roundups.
?It?s been many years since we?ve had back-to-back operations for drugs,? Taylor said.
Matheny countered that the Warren County Jail inmate population has swelled from 57 when he took office to well over 200, something the sheriff said is due to good police work and drug enforcement.
?I can load the jail down until it?s bursting,? Taylor countered of making arrests.
In closing all three candidates were gracious in referring to their opposition.
?It?s an honor to stand here between two sheriffs,? Smith said. ?If I?m elected I promise I?ll work hard for you.?
Taylor said Matheny has done ?the best he could do? in his three terms, but Taylor said he would shake things up if elected.
?I?m going to scare these people,? Taylor said of the criminals in Warren County.
Matheny cited Taylor for his work in law enforcement while noting his own record.
?Kenny was one of my heroes growing up in law enforcement,? Matheny said. ?But I stand on my record that our department is the best in the state of Tennessee. I think that has earned me another four years.
The second forum will be held Monday at the middle school beginning at 6 p.m. with trustee candidates. A debate between district attorney candidates and county executive candidates will follow.
Round two
If you missed the first debate, a second debate is scheduled this Monday, April 10 at 6 p.m. at WCMS?s auditorium. After trustee candidates are allowed to give a brief speech, there will be debates between candidates for district attorney and county executive.