Four Democratic challengers vying for Clayton County sheriff seem to agree on one thing — the incumbent has failed the citizens and isn't entitled to a second term in office.

Kem Kimbrough, Sherman Lemon, Ernest Strozier and Garland Watkins participated Thursday in a debate sponsored by the Atlanta Press Club. Sheriff Victor Hill declined an invitation, moderator Tom Jones said.

That didn't stop candidates from asking his empty podium a question.

"Why are you mismanaging taxpayers' money?" Watkins asked. "Why are you mismanaging personnel?"

Watkins referred to millions of dollars lost in countless civil suits brought against Hill since 2005. Numerous employees have filed grievances because of Hill's actions.

Watkins accused the incumbent of being a tyrant.

"We can't afford those actions in Clayton County," he said.

Kimbrough wondered why Hill refuses to cooperate with other law enforcement agencies, saying there is no justification for shutting out departments which could help the sheriff's office.

All four candidates criticized Hill for allowing at least 17,000 unserved warrants to accumulate, for allowing politics to get in the way of providing services and for destroying the morale of deputies.

Strozier called Hill "a great illusionist" and compared him to Adolf Hitler.

The candidates referred to Hill's first day in office, when he fired 27 deputies, including Watkins. All four candidates said they would meet with deputies and exchange goals and ideas.

"Employees are our No. 1 priority," Lemon said.

They were also critical of Hill's "military style" of running the jail. Inmates are ordered to turn and face the wall as Hill approaches. Those who don't are disciplined.

"That will be out the door with me," Strozier said.

Watkins agreed.

"At best, that is lunacy," he said. "You can't command respect, you have to earn it."

Kimbrough said it was insulting to the military to compare what what they do to what Hill demands.

"That form of discipline will be gone," Kimbrough said. "It is not fair to call it military style because being in the military is about building people up. It is clear Hill's actions are aimed at nothing but disrespect."

All four said they would operate the sheriff's office as the state Constitution calls for: serving warrants, running the jail and operating the courthouse. Clayton is one of 13 counties of the state's 159 that has both a sheriff's office and police department.

The Constitution allows for more far-reaching powers for the elected sheriff but most sheriffs choose to provide those three services and allow local police departments to investigate cases and run crime-fighting units.

Hill wants to consolidate the county police department into the sheriff's office, making the sheriff the top law officer. All four opponents disagree with consolidation.

"The sheriff's office and police department have two different roles in the community," Lemon said. "They are totally separate."

All five men will be on Tuesday's ballot. A run-off, if necessary, will be held in August. That winner will face Republican challenger Jack Rainwater in November.