Candidates vying to be Dawson County's next sheriff fielded questions from the public Thursday during the first of what is expected to be many candidate forums as the May election draws closer. Organized by Mickey Gilbertson, a retired lawman who wanted to give citizens the opportunity to ask candidates questions rather than a having a predetermined list of topics, the debate held at the Dawson County Library drew a crowd of more than 80 citizens. Topics ranged from budgetary shortfalls in the sheriff's office and a dwindling staff that's leaving for higher paying departments, to new programs the candidates would like to implement and plans to reduce crime in the county.