County commission candidates engaged in a friendly and cordial discussion at the Pierce County Republican Candidate Forum Thursday night at the Southeast Georgia Regional Agriculture Center (SEGARAC).
Five of the seven candidates who are vying for the three seats up for election on the county commission were present for the forum including incumbent County Chairman Neal Bennett, second district candidates Jason Christmas and Jerry Ed Rich Jr. and fourth district candidates incumbent David Lowman and Austin Moore. County Chairman candidate Austin Boatright was recovering from the flu and was unable to attend. Second District candidate Dick Larson did not attend. All of the candidates are running as Republicans.
Boatright is challenging Bennett for Chairman and Moore is challenging Lowman for district four. Christmas, Larson and Rich are vying for the district two seat currently held by Graham Raley. Raley is stepping down after one term as he will be moving out of his district next year.
Blake Edwards served as moderator for the event and was assisted by timekeepers Abigail Taylor and Dawn Thompson. Pastor Tim Corey offered the invocation and Vietnam veteran Larry Batten led the pledge of allegiance. About 50 people turned out for the forum.
There were few surprises or breakout moments in the hour-long forum. Most of the questions centered around traditional Republican themes of fiscal conservatism, lower taxes, local control and less government.
Candidates were allowed to make opening statements about their backgrounds and qualifications and then Edwards led a series of short answer questions asked of all candidates and then followed by questions geared for longer answers that were asked of individual candidates.
Many of the questions centered around budget and financial issues.
Bennett and Lowman, as incumbents, defended their records saying they always try to make the best decisions for the taxpayers.
“We need to ensure that all county services are delivered in the most efficient and responsible way,” Bennett said.
Lowman said the wheels of government turn slow, but he said he is proud of the progress made on road improvements in the county. He showed a map illustrating the number of road projects in the fourth district during his eight years in office.
Christmas, Moore and Rich said they would make sure taxpayers get their money’s worth.
Christmas stressed his knowledge and experience with budgets as a retail manager.
“I’ve always managed my store and you have to not overspend on labor and not overspend on merchandise. I’ve never run it in the red,” Christmas said. “We need to account for every nickel and dime that goes out.”
Moore prioritized public safety in his remarks.
“I think you can always put more (resources) into fire departments and public safety,” he said.
In a related item later in the forum, Moore endorsed making the county’s financial reports available to the public.
“You can get them now,” he said. “But, I think if you make them widely available that cuts down on the confusion.”
Rich, a contractor, also touted his experience with managing budgets as a small business owner.
“Our residents need someone to stand up for them,” Rich said.
He encouraged a tax break for residents.
“Let me see the numbers,” he said. “You find out what you have, what is most important. If the tax break comes it will be the in the numbers.”
All candidates also generally endorsed having a 10 minute comment period at the end of each regular commission meeting. The comment period was described as an “open mike” period for citizens to comment on any topic.
“We absolutely need to hear from those we represent,” said Rich, the second district candidate.
Rich endorsed having up to 30 minutes for the public comment period.
In response to a hypothetical question about Pierce County receiving a $5 million grant to use at their discretion, all candidates agreed public safety enhancements and roads should be where the money goes.
Christmas did say he would like to see the county invest in more infrastructure to help with development — especially with roads and public safety.
Lowman agreed, but cautioned the reality is money is hard to come by and even if the county received a hypothetical $5 million grant, those funds would not go far.
Zoning issues also were an issue in the forum.
Christmas said he would like to see more done to protect the county’s farm land from development.
“(Our farmers) are afraid their land is going to be taken away from them. We need to protect our family farms,” he said.
All candidates expressed their opposition to data centers in Pierce County.
“No!” Rich said, flatly. “None of the voters I’ve talked to want data centers here.”
Chairman Bennett pointed out the county hads already addressed the issue and enacted ordinances governing the location of data centers in Pierce County.
He said there might be some financial advantages to data centers, noting that local governments in Texas have made millions on them.
“The majority of Pierce County residents were vocal and sent a clear message when the issue came up before that they don’t want them here,” Bennett said.
In one of the issue questions that was asked individually of the candidates, Rich said that he was opposed to illegal immigration in Pierce County.
“I would not hesitate to call in ICE! (Immigration and Customs Enforcement),” he said. “I’m pro human. I’m not against anyone. If they are here legally we will help them. If not, we will get them out of here.”
However, immigration is under the jurisdiction of law enforcement and not the county commission.
A question posed to Moore about having each individual district represented on county boards like the recreation board drew a mixed response.
Moore said he liked the general idea of representation by district, but then added that with a board like the recreation board it should be specific to parents who have kids participating and they may be concentrated in specific districts.
In closing comments, Bennett stressed his 30 years experience in county government in asking for another term.
Lowman told voters he has tried to be responsive.
“When you’ve called, I’ve answered,” he said.
He pledged to continue serving constituents.
Moore stressed the need for younger representatives in the county.
He stressed he did not have anything against Lowman personally, but that he felt called by the Lord to step up and serve.
He drew laughs from a comment he made in conclusion.
“If elected, I intend to be a dedicated commissioner for the residents of district four,” he said. “If not, I will continue to call David and complain about our roads.”
Christmas also asked voters to give him a chance to be the next district two commissioner.
Rich openly endorsed the challengers in the race, but bypassed Christmas and Larson.
“If you will vote for me and the two Austins, we will bring change,” he said. “Take a chance on me. What have you got to lose?”
After the forum, each candidate had information tables set up in the auditorium allowing for a meetand- greet and a time to mingle with voters.
Election day is May 19. Early voting will begin April 27.
If no candidate receives a majority of 50 percent plus one in district 2, a run-off will be held June 16.
There are no Democrats running locally, so whoever wins the Republican nomination will take office in January. The deadline to register to vote in the primary election will be this Monday, April 20.
