Thumbs up to the Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring the candidate debates for the general election.

I have attended two of the debates and plan on attending more.

One of the most interesting was the debate of the jailer candidates. It’s great to put a face with a name and listen to their views on the future operation of the jail.

Leroy Hardin seemed focused on one issue in particular. Reducing the fiscal court’s mandate to charge inmates half of the money deposited in their canteen accounts. The canteen sells non-essential items such as e-cigarettes, candy and snack items. The profit of the canteen is used for the benefit of the inmates, such as thicker mattresses, a vehicle to transport to hospitals, doctors offices, GED testing, etc. One half of the inmates canteen deposit is applied to their $31 per day housing costs.

Mr. Hardin wants to discontinue the one half cost deposited. He also was concerned about charging the inmates for phone calls and video visits.

This was his vision for the future.

Brian Wofford, spoke in detail on current jail issues, rehabilitation programs and the consultants’ study. He explained how the fees charged canteen deposits lessens the burden of the taxpayer. 

Mr. Wofford went into detail explaining facts, figures and statistics.

The professionalism exhibited by Mr. Wofford was the highlight of the night’s debate.

It was apparent Mr. Hardin lacked the knowledge, foresight, experience and professionalism to manage a facility with a $5 million budget.

Every candidate in all of the county office debates have voiced concerns regarding the jail. This is the most important issue facing fiscal court in the next four years. Please don’t turn your hard-earned tax dollars over to Leroy Hardin, who obviously lacks the management skills and understanding of jail operations.

I encourage you to vote for the most qualified, experienced candidate for jailer, Brian Wofford.

Fred Edwards

Perryville