DAYTON -- Hoping to force his opponents into discussing the issues, Lyon County sheriff's candidate Charlie Duke is challenging his counterparts to participate in a series of public debates.
Duke sent registered letters to each candidate on Friday inviting them to take part in the challenge.
A resident of Dayton, Duke said the various candidates forums do not allow debate between opponents and he has been increasingly frustrated with his inability to get the candidates to speak to what he feels are issues important to the county.
"I am issuing a challenge to my opponents because I want to make them discuss the issues. So far no one has wanted to. These forums will offer everyone an equal opportunity to do so," Duke said. "With the growth occurring in this county, I feel this is the most important sheriff's election in Lyon County history. The people deserve the right to know how each candidate plans to address their concerns."
Duke said he arranged the time and place of the three debates, and media personality John Tyson will set the rules and monitor the forums. Duke approached Tyson because of his law enforcement background.
The debates are scheduled as follows:
-- Yerington -- Tuesday, Aug. 13, 6:30 p.m. - Boys and Girls Club
-- Dayton -- Monday, Aug. 19, 6:30 p.m. - Dayton Senior Center
-- Fernley -- Thursday, Aug. 29, 6:30 p.m. - Fernley Senior Center
Sheriff Sid Smith, a Dayton resident, is seeking re-election to the position he has held for 10 years. Challengers include Duke, Silver Springs residents John Garrison and Dave Gill; Fernley residents Bob Kahn and John Nightingale; and Yerington resident Frank Pizzo.