Sheriff candidates debate issues in upcoming forums

BENTONVILLE — The four Republican candidates for Benton County sheriff will meet in at least two upcoming forums.

Sheriff Kelley Cradduck seeks re-election to a third term, and he has drawn 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 were to debate at noon Tuesday, Jan. 19, before the Benton County Republican Women’s Club and at 7 p.m. Jan. 25 before the Siloam Springs Republican Women’s Club.

The four spoke at a forum at Northwest Arkansas Community College Thursday. They answered questions from response times to possible expansion of the county jail. They also sparred about the controversy that surrounds Cradduck.

Special prosecutor Jason Barrett will handle an investigation that concerns the hiring of Gabriel Cox at the jail. Cradduck is accused of trying to back-date Cox’s hiring date. Cox recently was terminated after he was arrested in connection with misdemeanor drug charges.

Cradduck described the investigation as “political” at the college forum. Cradduck 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 was in the county last week to work on two other cases. He declined to comment on the State Police investigation of Cradduck.

The forum at the community college 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 when they may 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 come to the college 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 the independent candidate for sheriff and will face the winner of the Republican primary in November. There are no Democratic candidates.

Latham campaigns and waits for his opponent.

“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.