Carbon County voters will elect a new sheriff on Nov. 3 with the retirement of Dwight Nothstein.

Candidates are Anthony Harvilla, Democrat; Rick Bekesy, Republican; and Matt Schutter, Libertarian.The Times News asked candidates to submit a biography and answer questions related to the office. Their answers are published below.BackgroundAnthony Harvilla - Democrat: Harvilla and his family are lifelong residents of Carbon County. He has 37 years of full-time law enforcement experience, a bachelor's degree in law enforcement and corrections, and a master's degree in public administration. Harvilla is a certified deputy sheriff and is endorsed by sheriffs Dwight Nothstein and Pete Hoherchak.Rick Bekesy - Republican: Bekesy been a resident of Carbon County for 43 years, and his family has a deep history in law enforcement. The values that were instilled in him at a young age, combined with his love for this area, make this job a very personal and serious undertaking for him.Matthew Schutter - Libertarian: Schutter has lived most of his life in Penn Forest Township. He is the last of four children of the late John H. Schutter Jr. and Louise J. Schutter. Currently, he is an elected Penn Forest Township auditor, and the chairman of the Penn Forest Board of Auditors.What experience are you bringing to the office?Harvilla: I began my career in Carbon County as the first work release coordinator and later as chief adult probation officer. Those 12 years allowed me to understand the unique criminal justice issues that face our county. Fourteen of my 37 years of law enforcement experience were as the top administrator at my employing agency. The sheriff's office has more than 20 employees, so it is imperative to have a sheriff with a significant background in personnel and budget management.Bekesy: My law enforcement career started in Carbon County with the sheriff's office in 1992. I worked as sheriff's deputy until 1997, when I took a supervisory position at the Carbon County Prison. I held that position for eight years before becoming a police officer in 1999, which is the position I currently hold today. My numerous certifications and commendations in law enforcement, combined with 24 years of experience, make me the perfect candidate for sheriff.Schutter: As the chief law enforcement officer in the county, I will represent the people of Carbon County, not the establishment. I will protect the people's rights. I will honor my oath and I will expose the corruption in government. I have a record of fighting corruption and standing with the constitution. My record as chairman of the Penn Forest Board of Auditors speaks for itself.How would you increase security for district justice offices?Harvilla: The issue of increased security at district justice offices will require further study, especially in the current climate of strained law enforcement budgets for both municipal and county agencies. However, because the safety and security of all court offices and employees is necessary, I plan to meet with the parties involved to find common ground and determine the most equitable solution to the matter.Bekesy: I would have a sheriff's deputy stationed at all magistrates' offices on criminal court days as well as periodically during the week. Magistrate court is part of the county court system and therefore, the sheriff's office should be proactive in ensuring the safety of its employees. Currently, there is no protection provided, and with violent crimes and rampant drug use being on the rise in Carbon County, there is a great need for increased security.Schutter: I believe that the sheriff's office should be responsible for transport of Carbon County jail inmates to their court hearings. The local police currently do this job. I think it is the job of the sheriff's office and not the police. They have better things to do. Other than that I do not think the district justice offices need more security. I think that giving up freedom for security is a mistake. We don't need to live in a police state to keep us safe.