A previously announced debate by candidates for Polk County sheriff scheduled for tonight will not be held.

According to the article on page 23 in yesterday’s Tryon Daily Bulletin, the forum, sponsored by the 9.12 Project of Polk County, was set to be held at the Womack building in Columbus at 6:30 p.m.

The press release submitted to the Bulletin states that the debate was to be hosted by 9.12 Project of Polk County, a non-partisan group, and that it would be moderated by someone not associated with a political group.

The press release also said that both Incumbent Sheriff Donald Hill (D) and challenger Nathan Shields (R) had agreed to the debate.

But Hill says he let organizers know early last week that he was unable to attend the debate because of a prior commitment.

The website for 9.12 Polk County, http://912polk.ning.com/, provides information about members, photos, videos and blogs regarding political topics. According to the website, sheriff candidate Nathan Shields is a member of the 9.12 Project of Polk County.

Sheriff candidates have been invited to a forum for Polk County commissioner candidates later this month at the Saluda Senior Center. Sheriff candidates have been asked to participate in the meet and greet portion of the forum.