Gonzalez challenges Hanson to more debates

On Wednesday, Douglas County Sheriff candidate Greg Gonzalez issued a public challenge to opponent Aaron Hanson to participate in at least three more debates between now and the November election. “We had a very successful debate, sponsored by law enforcement professionals, and now we need to expand to the broader community where civic organizations and the media can provide a larger platform for better informing the general public,” said Gonzalez. Gonzalez, who served nine years as Omaha’s Deputy Police Chief, said Tuesday night’s forum sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 2 exposed key differences between the candidates on substantive issues. While Gonzalez prefers fully staffing the uniform patrol function of the Sheriff’s office, Hanson’s plan is to move deputies to a new pre-trial release function. A function that is already the taxpayer-funded responsibility of the Douglas County Department of Corrections. “Voters deserve to know more about the priorities and experience of both candidates,” said Gonzalez. “This is the first Douglas County Sheriff election without an incumbent in 28 years. Public safety is at stake, and we need to get this right