Three men who want to be the next Greene County Sheriff squared off on the issues Thursday night.

Greene County chief deputy Jim Arnott, Evangel University security director Gene Thomlinson, and retired Springfield Police Lieutenant Mark Webb are all running to replace Jack Merritt, who's retiring.

Dozens of people showed up to ask questions about issues they feel are important to Greene County and the office of Sheriff.

"I'm looking for a sheriff who'll run a good law enforcement department. Take good care of his employees,  make sure they're properly paid.  And protect the county," said Rex Bumgarner.

Arnott, Thomlinson and Webb will be on the August Republican primary ballot. The winner of the race will face the winner of the Democrat primary between Jerry Mcgeehee and Mike Ramon.

The Springfield Metro Republican Club sponsored the candidate debate at the Library Center.