The Washington County Republican Party kicked off the primary election season by hosting a Meet the Candidates Forum. Nearly 60 people listened to the unopposed row office candidates, Sheriff Tony Andronas and Recorder of Deeds Carrie Perrell join the four candidates vying for the position of County Controller for a panel discussion. Current Acting Controller Heather Sheatler, Pat Phillips, Tony DeLost and Brenda Davis are all seeking nomination for the controller seat in the May 20 primary election. The four answered prepared questions regarding their desire for the office, their qualifications for the office and what accomplishments they would like to have if they became controller. Office transparency, integrity, efficiency, and a removal of politics from the office were all goals of each candidate. Audience questions ranged from how long have you been a republican, to have you ever taken campaign contributions from a democrat? In a more serious note, people did want to know how all candidates would keep political influence out of their offices. Each candidate emphasized the importance of voters to get out and vote on Election Day.