Sheriff debate is a civil affair

The race for sheriff in Richmond proved to be more nuance than knockout last night as the two Democratic candidates squared off in an orderly, civil discussion of issues.

Incumbent C.T. Woody and challenger Antionette V. Irving, a major in the Henrico County Sheriff's Office, offered similar takes on a variety of topics during their joint appearance at the City of Richmond Sheriff Forum at the Southside Community Service Center. The appearance was sponsored by the Greater Jefferson Davis Area Civic Association and the Richmond Crusade for Voters. About six dozen people attended.

While one candidate was talking, the other was often nodding in agreement. They were in accord on the importance of preventing crime, educating inmates, providing better health care, keeping the mentally ill out of jail and the necessity for a new facility, among other issues.

The biggest difference of the night -- and one of the few audience laughs -- came on a question about the facility.

"In Henrico and Chesterfield, it's easy," Woody said when asked how his jail differed from the one in which Irving works. "They've got college campuses. They don't have jails. They have college campuses."

"I'll be sure I let Sheriff [Michael L.] Wade know that," Irving quickly replied, referring to the commander of the Henrico Sheriff's Office.

But after a quick chuckle, it was back to more shades of gray, with neither candidate veering far from the position of the other.

"We need funding to actually treat that cause instead of putting a Band-Aid on a wound," Woody said.

To which Irving replied, "We need to educate inmates on what has brought them there."

Woody offered the most forceful stand of the night, pleading for a better home for the city's mentally ill.

"The jail has become a dumping ground for the mentally ill," he said. "They don't belong in here. They should be in a . . . place where they can get proper treatment."

Irving, in turn, agreed.

After listening to each other for nearly an hour, the two closed the night with a final round of niceties.

"The most important word in community is unity," Woody said. "U-n-i-t-y. I wouldn't be here today if the community didn't believe in me."

Irving listened, then complimented Woody.

"It's not an easy job," she said. "It is a difficult task."

The audience applauded, then the two shook hands and politely called it a night.

The primary is June 9. With no Republican challengers anticipated, the primary should determine who wins the November election.

Contact Zachary Reid at (804) 775-8179 or .