Medford, Ore.– For the first time Friday there was a community forum for this year’s Sheriff’s race at the Medford Library.

Nearly 100 people showed up ready to hear from the three members of law enforcement presenting their case as to why they’d make the best sheriff.

Jackson County’s current Sheriff, Mike Winters has held the position for the last 12 years.

Challenging him is Bob Sergi, a current lieutenant with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department with 34 years under his belt.

And Ashland Police Deputy Chief Corey Falls, a 16 year police veteran.

All three took anonymous questions Friday night. Each shared their vision for the future of Jackson County.

Sheriff Winters said,”We are prepared to handle emergencies and that’s what we have to do I serve the citizens, I know my constitutional authority. I know what I can do, we do it well. I have a proven track record of that.”

Lt. Sergi said, “We’ve lost focus on what our primary mission is and that’s law enforcement and we need to get back to that.”

And Deputy Chief Falls said, “A sheriff that’s going to be responsive to the community, a sheriff that’s going to focus on fiscal management and bring a collaborative style leadership to Jackson County in the future.”

The field will be narrowed down to two candidates in May unless one candidate receives the majority vote. If one candidate receives a 50% vote plus one vote, then that person would be the only candidate on the ballot in the general election. That’s when they would officially be elected.

The forum was hosted by the Jackson County Campaign for Liberty.

Bob Sergi, candidate forum, Corey Falls, Jackson County, Jackson County Sheriff, Medford, Oregon, Politics, Sheriff Mike Winters