The Countywide Forum was held on Thursday evening. There were approximately 150 people in attendance.</p><p>Attending the forum were Superior Court Judge candidates, Brian Austin and Judge D. Lynn Jones.</p><p>Austin said, "I am an average person, I am one of you." He noted that being a former police officer, he knows how to fight crime.</p><p>Austin left after his opening statement to attend a funeral.</p><p>Judge Jones worked for the District Attorney's office for 12 years and was appointed as Judge. "I have the experience to do the job and the compassion," she stated. There were no question directed to Judge Jones during the forum. She smiled and said she was used to listening.</p><p>The three candidates running for Madera County Superintendent of School were present and accounted for at the forum. They included: Gwendolyn Stewart, Maria Velarde-Garcia and Cecilia Massetti.</p><p>Stewart said she was running a grass roots campaign. "My experience and background qualify me for this position," she stated. Stewart noted that she was a teacher, educator and consultant in Madera County.</p><p>Massetti, who is the current Associate Superintendent of School, said she was the best prepared candidate to fill the position. "I am passionate about our youth," she stated. Massetti said she would continue to efficiently use tax dollars to prepare students for the 21st century.</p><p>Velarde-Garcia said she could bring an outsiders perspective to the Superintendent of Schools position. "Even though I am an educator for the county, I can look from the bottom up," she stated.</p><p>Two of the candidates running for Supervisor for District 2, John Silva and Justin White were present at the meeting. Candidate David Rogers chaired another event in the city and arrived in time for the closing remarks.</p><p>Silva began by addressing the problems with new businesses coming to Madera County. "Madera County has become very business unfriendly." He noted the key is recruiting new business. "I can do that, I've done it before," he said. He also addressed the conditions of the roads in District 2 and the absence of a deputy in the Chowchilla area.</p><p>"District 2 has always had the short end of the stick. I am not going to let that happen," Silva stated.</p><p>White first recognized his wife and son. "I want to pass on a better community to my son," he stated. His top priority is jobs, "We have to put people back to work."</p><p>"My top priority is lowering the unemployment rate in the county," White stated.</p><p>He also discussed controlling government spending and public safety.</p><p>Incumbent Assessor Tom Kidwell and candidate Kenneth Russell disagreed on a variety of issues.</p><p>Kidwell explained the responsibilities of his office and commended his staff for their contributions and successes.</p><p>Russell stated, "A lot of leaders have let us down. Bottom line, government needs to get off our backs."</p><p>During the question portion of the meeting both answered question regarding the Williamson Act.</p><p>This year, County Clerk-Recorder Rebecca Martinez will face a challenger, Desirae Devine.</p><p>Devine, a legal administrative assistant, began by saying she realized the technical skills may be challenging but she felt her job qualified her for the position. "I am a fast learner and motivated," she stated.</p><p>When asked about her experience with a budget, she stated, "Honestly, I have never managed a budget, but I am a hard worker and a fast learner."</p><p>Martinez has been the County Clerk-Recorder for 20 plus years and has worked in the Clerk-Recorder's office for 36 years. She reviewed the advances in her department, one being bringing an automated voting system to the county.</p><p>Martinez the Clerk-Recorder position requires aggressive leadership.</p><p>The last two to face the audience was Madera County Sheriff John Anderson and his challenger Betty Barker.</p><p>Both agree that the budget cuts in public safety have got to stop. That was about the only thing they agreed on.</p><p>Barker said using civil positions won't cut it. "The sheriff department's principles have to change," she stated.</p><p>Barker also addressed the issue of having a deputy in Chowchilla. "I will give you that back," she stated.</p><p>Sheriff Anderson responded to the comments about a deputy in Chowchilla. "When resources are down, the department has to to the best it can." Anderson explained that when the majority of service calls are in one area, that is where deputies are assigned. He also noted, "Chowchilla has the best police department in the county. A deputy is not need here." Anderson went on to say the two departments work well together and assist when needed.</p><p>Anderson said when he came to Madera County the sheriff's department was mediocre at best. "Since that time, we have built a department second to none in the valley."</p><p>All candidates answered a wide variety of questions and then gave their closing statements.