WESTPORT — The three men running for Essex County sheriff faced off Tuesday night over the new jail and its budget.

The Westport Town Hall was filled to the back wall as the North Country League of Women Voters moderated a political forum featuring incumbent Sheriff Henry Hommes and challengers Robert Kirby and Michael “Ike” Tyler.

Voters provided questions on index cards when they came in. The issue of jail budget and best use was a central point of concern.

Moderating from the league was Betty Ann King.

OPENING UP

Kirby drew the straw to open first and provided background on his career as a police officer in Florida before they moved here to live near his wife’s family in Wilmington.

“This is where my stake is now,” he said.

Kirby is a master-level police instructor, taught at a community college, is former town justice for Wilmington and is a longtime volunteer EMT and captain of Wilmington Fire and Rescue.

Tyler, who was born and raised in Westport, shared concerns he said he has heard while campaigning, in particular the “skyrocketing budget” in the Sheriff’s Department.

Working on the Westport Town Council, he said, fiscal restraint was based in tough decisions.

“We had to say no.”

Hommes opened by saying one of the accomplishments he is most proud of in 12 years on the job is managing the challenge the county was dealt by state corrections and building the new jail.

“Size of the facility is not a decision I make. It’s a decision the Board of Supervisors makes. To build a 120-cell jail cost the same as building a 90-cell jail. I am also proud to say we are bringing in $1,000,017 (housing outside prisoners) as of the end of September. You are now getting a return on that money.”