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Charlene Kilpatrick, whom I believe belongs to all three groups above, introduced the candidates and the Court Watch Partners panelists.

You can see video of each of the candidates' opening statements here. I'm still processing video that I shot throughout the event.

L-R: Tim Akins, Greg Beck, Jim Hammond, Jim Winters. (Head in foreground belongs to write-in candidate Fred Fuson.) Click to enlarge.

This was not a debate, but if I had to declare a "winner" it would be former Chief Deputy Jim Hammond. His resume, and his ability to speak clearly and comprehensively to the issues being addressed, definitely set him apart. He deserves commendation for service to his country in training Iraqi police officers for a most dangerous job.

But Hammond is distinguished by some less than flattering aspects as well. For example, he offered unsolicited praise for Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County (Phoenix), Arizona, and decried regulations here that would prohibit Hammond, if elected, from treating suspects (jailed and otherwise) in similar ways. (If you are unfamiliar with Sheriff Arpaio's tactics, take some time to read up on them. I'd recommend the Phoenix New Times to start.) Jim Hammond, quite simply, comes across as the archetypal high school principal in Hollywood movies: smart, but moralizing and hyper-authoritarian. I'm not convinced that I'd want even a partial term under his thumb.

Hammond's closest rival, in every respect I can think of, is County Commissioner Greg Beck, who is also a court officer in Chattanooga City Court. He is a former Sheriff Department employee as well, having worked in the jail. Commissioner Beck seems to be holding his own as a local legislator, but after serving only one term in that office, it's not clear that he is ready to administer a department as large and complex as this. I could be wrong.

Beck's positives are that he would parlay his support (as a Commissioner) for cooperation among the various local law enforcement agencies into the Sheriff role, and that he would ensure the School Resource Officer (SRO) program was fully funded. In contrast to my comment about being able to lead this large department, Beck has had exposure to a much larger budget (the County's) and how the various agencies have to vie for taxpayer dollars.

Furthermore, and I almost hesitate to bring this up, but a TennesseeTicket reader mentioned to me not long ago that electing a black sheriff might send a positive (and crime-deterring) signal to certain of the county's African-American youth. I'm not sure about all that. I prefer not to make electoral decisions based on the color of the candidate's skin; yet I recognize the possibility that some could be influenced by the larger community's affirmation of one of their own as the chief law enforcement officer in the county. Man, I'll be glad when we just don't care about race anymore, other than to celebrate our differences.

At some point, Jim Winters wanted to be the Democratic Party nominee in this election; and when that didn't work out, he decided to run as an independent candidate. (And yes, that was perfectly legal. The law cited by some partisans in protest only applies to one Tennessee county, as I read it. Some General Assembly member apparently pulled a fast one for a friend back home. But I digress.) Winters has a fairly deep history in law enforcement, to his credit. He has had plenty of training in forensics and other investigation techniques. He is also, as he is quick to point out, the only one running who has executive experience in the private sector.

Mr. Winters could face problems, though, with the "public" side of public office. I empathize with the man, but he scores lower on the oratory section than some might be willing to tolerate. In addition, public comments about being "disappointed" with the Chattanooga Police Department while trying to get elected Sheriff might not be the best approach.

Tim Akins seems like a decent and honest man; and, after the debacle known as Billy Long, that would almost be enough to qualify. Akins is a foot soldier looking for higher office, but the jump all the way to Sheriff would likely put a strain on his ability to perform.

I will get another opportunity to hear these candidates on Monday, at the Brainerd Unity Group meeting. I hope all of them can make it. If my impressions change after that session, I will update this post as necessary.

What about the candidates' positions on the issues facing the county? Good question. That will have to be its own post, as this one is long enough already.

It should go without saying, but I'll say it anyway, that all of these men should be thanked for stepping up to run in this difficult time. I will keep aiming at providing the best information possible on each of them (update: including personal observations such as this post), so that you can make the most informed choice when you go to the polls.