School resources officers, crime and mental health in the county’s jail were the topics during a candidates’ forum featuring Whitfield County’s incumbent sheriff and his challenger.
Sheriff Scott Chitwood, a Democrat, said he has kept Whitfield County safe during his 30 years of service, while his Republican challenger, Darren Pierce, said he thinks the sheriff’s department needs new leadership.
The Dalton Area League of Women Voters hosted the forum at Dalton’s Mack Gaston Community Center. About 200 attended the event Tuesday night.
Early voting begins Oct. 15, and Election Day is Nov. 5. Georgia voters have until Oct. 25 to submit an application to absentee vote by mail.
SCOTT CHITWOOD