There were no surprises, no name calling and no startling revelations when Carroll County Republicans debated on April 18 in the Little Theatre at Delphi high school.

Hosted by Carroll County's Republican Party, the event, according to organizers, was intended to provide voters with the opportunity to make a more educated voting decision in the May 2 primary.

"The debate concept gives voters a chance to hear what the candidates have to say in more detail," organizer Darrell Routh explained in a Comet interview prior to the debate. "It's just a good way to get more education out to the voters."

Candidates were given the opportunity to state their respective platforms and to explain why each would serve the citizens of Carroll County better than their opponent to approximately 120 audience members.

Each candidate chose to talk about their own strong points and minimize their opponents' weaknesses however.

Sheriff candidate Tony Burns said about opponent John Chapman, "I've known John since high school. I wasn't going to bash him. That's not what the debate was for."

Burns said that if he becomes the next county sheriff he wants John to be part of his team.

Chapman, explaining he didn't want to come across as arrogant said, "There has been so much negative printed and said about the sheriff's department that I didn't want any more of that in the public eye."

Trish Thompson, who is challenging incumbent prosecutor Rob Ives said, "My goal was not to come in and criticize Rob. It's been an extremely cordial campaign all along."

"I wanted to focus on me and what my plan was," she said. "Here's my position and here's his position - that's what a debate is," she added.

Thompson said she was pleased with how the debate was organized, but added it would have been interesting if candidates could have asked questions of each other.

Ives said, "From my point of view, I am not interested in attacking her (Thompson). I don't think the citizens of Carroll County would like candidates who are perceived to be rude."

Ives explained there was not enough time to explain what the job of prosecutor entails and to shorten a description would not be beneficial to voters.

"I don't think that works in sound bites," he said. "And there is never enough time to explain just what a prosecutor does."

Audience member Estelle Shaw of Delphi said she attended the debate to hear the candidates speak about the issues. "I came out to hear and see the candidates. It helped to hear them voice their beliefs."

Camden Town Clerk Pat Casserly said, "I thought it was very good. I appreciated hearing some of the finer points of each candidate's personalities."

County Sheriff Race Where to cut $30,000 from the current budget:

 John Chapman: "I would eliminate the transportation officer." Chapman suggested elimination of "some" vehicles.

 Tony Burns: "The sheriff must work with county council on expenses about telecommunications." About county-owned vehicles, "We currently have six SUVs and four of them are 4-wheel drive we don't need six SUVs on the department."

County Prosecutor Race When asked about pleading cases:

 Tricia Thompson: "Every case can have a plea agreement. I don't believe in just getting a conviction."

 Incumbent Rob Ives: "There are more crimes in Carroll County than is understood. The market for pleas is set by judges. Our office files approximately four felonies every day." Debate Highlights

State Representative Race

 Challenger Rick Eller: "Republicans have a choice for the first time in 12 years for state representative."

 Incumbent Rich McClain: In talking about his controversial vote in support of observing Eastern Standard Time, "There comes a time when you have to put your faith in the economists in the state."