The District 3 race provided the most fireworks of the night as candidates tried to distance themselves from front-runner Kathryn Starkey, a former school board member who has raised the most money and racked up the most endorsements.

Retired Coast Guard investigator Randy Evans pointed out that he was the only candidate in the race who had served in the military and earned a master's degree. "I'm the only candidate who lives in the district and qualified by petition," he said.

Karen King said her community involvement and work with veterans sets her apart from the crowded field. "I've got my finger on the pulse of the community," she said.

Starkey said her experience on the school board makes her the most qualified. "I've made hard decisions — I've had to cut jobs before," she said.

Joshua Griffin said he would base all his governing decisions on whether the program complies with his interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. He suggested the county could reduce spending and be more efficient if it outsourced its public works department to the private sector. He also wants to stop spending Penny for Pasco funds for environmental land acquisition.

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