Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal said Monday afternoon he will not participate in a political forum for sheriff candidates tonight.

The sheriff said in a news release he will focus on his work as the parish’s chief law enforcement officer and “abstain from political events which will lead to petty politics.” He also said he is growing increasingly concerned about the lack of requirements for the office of sheriff.

Janet Faulk, president and CEO of the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce, said the forum would proceed as planned at the South Louisiana Community College Gym. She said regardless of Ackal declining to turn out, it was an opportunity to inform voters.

“We don’t back any candidate,” Faulk said. “We’re here to educate the public.”

The forums, which began Monday night with candidates for the Iberia Parish Council, are being sponsored by the local chamber, Leadership Iberia and The Daily Iberian. Also today, forums are scheduled for 6:45-7:45 p.m. for state representative candidates in District 49 and for 8-9:15 p.m. for state representative candidates in District 96.

On Wednesday, Iberia Parish president candidates are scheduled to participate in a forum from 6-7:15 p.m.

Larry Cherry, who is vying for Ackal’s job, said he was displeased with the sheriff’s decision.

“I’m disappointed as a citizen,” Cherry said. “I’d like to hear what he has to say about what is going on in his office.

“It’s his responsibility to the community to be there,” he said.

Joe LeBlanc, who also is challenging Ackal for sheriff, had similar opinions.

“I think he should be there to give his views,” LeBlanc said.

He believed Ackal should show more accountability to the voters.

“It is his responsibility to the public to be there,” LeBlanc said. “He should show up for the people he is supposed to be protecting and serving.”

Ackal said in his news release he expected his opponents to criticize his decision to avoid the debate.

“They’ve attacked me for everything else I’ve done, and attacked me even more times on complete fabrications, so why should they stop now? I don’t need to go to a forum to hear what my opponents have to say,” the sheriff said. “I know what they’re going to say and it has no relevance on my ability or their ability to keep the public safe and execute the job of sheriff.”

He also said his work as sheriff, plus 43 years of law enforcement experience, speak for themselves.