The candidates answered 12 questions with an option for rebuttal, were able to ask each other one question, and gave opening and closing statements. Topics ranged from participation with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the Western Mass Regional Women's Corrections Center and the office's budget.
The kickoff came on the heels of a candidate forum on Wednesday and the two-term sheriff wasted no time addressing topics brought up during that event.
Incumbent Thomas Bowler and his challenger Alf Barbalunga were queried on the interworkings of the office and their stances on national issues related to the position during the Zoom event.
"Know Your Sheriff" is a public education campaign by the ACLU of Massachusetts to build voter awareness about the life-changing decisions that sheriffs can make.
Thomas N. Bowler, who was sworn in for his first term as Berkshire County sheriff in 2011 and was re-elected in 2016, has announced that he will seek a third term in office.