Dade County candidates for sheriff, from left, Nathan Baker, Patrick Cannon, Philip Street, Tim McDonald and Ray Cross participate in a debate Tuesday moderated by Tom Black, center, at American Legion Post 106 in Trenton, Ga.TRENTON, Ga. — Little debate occurred Tuesday as Dade County’s five sheriff’s candidates met in a forum that produced more agreement than heated argument.
“We’ve all agreed to get along and not mud-sling,” said Tim McDonald, a former chief deputy. “We all want what’s best for the county. We all want to stamp out drugs.”
About 150 residents sat in American Legion Post 106 off Main Street in Trenton, Ga., Tuesday.
In front of them the four challengers for Dade County sheriff, plus incumbent Sheriff Patrick Cannon, took turns discussing their merits and their vision for law enforcement over the next four years.
McDonald kicked off a series of three-minute introductions by each of the candidates: Nathan Baker, a current police officer in Rossville; former Deputy Ray Cross; and Philip Street, who was sheriff of Dade County for 20 years until being defeated by the man seated to his right, Cannon.