Hoverman says he won't participate in upcoming sheriff debates with opponent

LIMA - Sheriff candidate Steve Hoverman has decided to withdraw from debates hosted by two community organizations, he said Wednesday.

Hoverman had been invited by the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce and the Lima Exchange Club to participate in joint appearances with his opponent Sam Crish.

"Actually it is. There's a reason for it," Hoverman said. "My opponent's not qualified to stand there and debate with me because he doesn't live in the county. So, therefore I don't want to be a part of it. I want to stand for the law and stand for what's right. The biggest reason why is because it adds credence to his credentials and qualifications, which he doesn't have."

Jack Somerville, president of the Exchange Club, said his club has held debates for years.

"Then I get a letter from Hoverman saying that he's not going to speak because of Sam Crish's credentials," Somerville said. "This is rather disappointing to me because everything was set up  and  the publicity was out. We were disappointed because we had special guests invited," said Somerville.

Teri Silone, a representative from the chamber, said that organization had given a Thursday morning deadline to Hoverman to confirm whether he would participate. Silone said chamber officials had heard Hoverman was considering not participating but had no official confirmation.

Crish said he preferred not to comment until he had official confirmation from the organizations that Hoverman would not participate.

Hoverman said he's not worried about the potential impact of the decision on his campaign.

"The people that actually look at my credentials and know what I stand for, no it's not going to have an impact. The people that chose to ignore those issues probably it doesn't matter anyway," Hoverman said. "I think the voters are smart enough to realize what's right is right and what's wrong is wrong. That's the way I was taught, that's the way I grew up, and that's what I stand for."

Hoverman said his decision has nothing to do with the organizations. He said he's open to speaking to the groups about his candidacy - just not in a debate with Crish right now. Hoverman said he may be open to doing the debates down the road.

"I'm pretty much set at this point," Hoverman said. "I'm not saying it's not an option down the road. It depends what happens between now and then."