Staff Report The Waycross Journal- Herald recently reached out to the 11 candidates who are seeking the four available seats on the Waycross City Commission with questions related to their respective districts and the city overall.
The questions were emailed to the candidates with a deadline to submit answers in time to appear in today’s edition of the newspaper.
Candidates for the commission seats are Shawn Roberts and Willie Oliver in District 1, Ayana Moore, William Simmons and Barry Worley in District 2, Katrena Felder, King Goree and Shawn Sanders in District 3 and Tim Peacock, Linda Slaughter-Titus and William Tompkins in District 4.
Seven of the candidates responded to the questions. None of the emails were returned as undeliverable to the addresses available for each candidate.
Following are the answers, sometimes edited for brevity, to those who replied to their emails in order of city Districts 1-4.
District 1: Oliver
• Previous office held, if any?: None
• What motivated you to seek this office?: None
• What are the top one or two issues related to the office?: Top two citywide issues facing the commission present day are a lack of housing especially those that would bring affordable home owner houses, and secondly economic growth and development we need to get our workforce working, decreased unemployment and create jobs that will bring long standing careers.
• How would you address the issue(s) if elected?: My focus is on community-centered growth, infrastructure enhancement, and economic development to help move both District 1 and Waycross forward.
District 2: Simmons
• Previous office held (if any)?: Waycross and Ware County Boards of Education for four years; Waycross City Commission for 20 years.
• What motivated you to seek this office?: I love this community and want to try and bring professionalism, stability, honor and respect back to the commission through the help of God.
• What are the top one or two issues related to the office?: To regain citizen trust in city government. Work to improve the lives of all residents.
• How would you address the issue(s) if elected?: I would address the issues by leading with integrity, transparency, visibility, and God guidance.
District 2: Worley
• Previous office held (if any)?: I have not previously held any political office.
• What motivated you to seek this office? Since moving to Waycross eight years ago, I’ve been the victim of abuse of power, personal agendas, double standards, misinformation, and being ignored by the city, its departments, and its commissioners. The perceived corruption, personal agendas, favoritism, and selective enforcement has to stop. This community is divided, and it runs to the top. Winning this seat would be the first step in the direction I believe we need to go.
• What are the top one or two issues related to the office?: There appears to be a laundry list of issues related to the office, and the citizens of Waycross have additional concerns to add to that list. Things like infrastructure, blighted properties, and business sense just to name a few. I think accountability is probably one of the top issues related to the office of commissioner. I believe many issues would be resolved if there was at least some level of accountability at City Hall.
Jobs would be the second step, and possibly the most important one. Bringing well-paying jobs to Waycross will create a snowball effect that will check so many boxes that desperately need to be checked.
• How would you address the issue(s) if elected?: I would insist on holding people and offices/ departments accountable for their actions or inactions. The city has outdated and vague policies allowing enforcement of whatever standard the majority chooses in a specific situation. In addition to updating policies, there are also codes and ordinances that are outdated or simply unlawful. Too often I hear of citizens being forced into compliance over issues that the city violates around the next corner.
To bring well-paying jobs to this town we need more training for our codes department. They work hard, but I would want to send them to a larger city, with historic properties, so they can have some hands-on training in how best to implement codes in our small town.
We need to issue tax abatements to larger industries to have an incentive to bring them here. The argument that big companies don't need to save on taxes is just plain ignorance. They won't come without incentive.
District 3: Felder
• Previous office held (if any)?: Current District 3 Commissioner.
• What motivated you to seek this office?: My desire is to make a real difference in the lives of the families and children who call Waycross home. As a native, I’ve seen, witnessed, and experienced both the challenges and potential that exist hereand I know without a doubt, my continued leadership can turn that potential into progress. Waycross deserves leadership that believes in its future – leadership that turns optimism into opportunity.
• What are the top one or two issues related to the office?: Economic development and community revitalization. Waycross has an incredible potential for both retail and industrial development, and I am committed to working with local and regional partners who are committed to creating an environment where businesses thrive and residents can find quality careers and housing right here at home. We have to continuously promote our community's assets beyond the borders of our municipality.
• How would you address the issue(s) if elected? I would address the issues with collaboration, transparency, and action. My first priority will be to assess the city’s budget in detail. In order for a city to better strategize, its 10-year plan must be reviewed regularly to ensure our objectives are on target and the city’s business is aligned with what is happening in the 21st-century economy. We, as a government, must know the financial health of every penny that makes up our city’s budget to increase accountability and demonstrate true dedication to the people of Waycross.
District 3: Sanders
• Previous office held (if any)?: I’ve spent much of my life supporting others in public service rather than seeking office myself.
• What motivated you to seek this office? My decision to seek public office is deeply rooted in love and gratitude for this community. Waycross has given my family kindness, compassion, and opportunity, helping us build a life of stability and purpose. I feel a personal obligation to give that same opportunity back to others. For me, actions speak louder than words.
• What are the top one or two issues related to the office?: Across District 3, the message from residents and business owners is consistent: people want to improve their homes, strengthen their businesses, and see progress. I believe we already have some of the most capable professionals in South Georgia within our city management and employee ranks. As a commissioner, I will work alongside my fellow commissioners to give them the support, resources, and legislative framework needed to move Waycross forward.
Restoring respect between city leadership, employees, and citizens is not just a campaign promise, it’s a necessity.
• How would you address the issue(s) if elected?: Together, as citizens of District 3, we have a responsibility to address every concern with collaboration, unity, and accountability. I’ll always listen, communicate openly, and demand results that reflect the values of the people I serve. I stand committed to being an accountable, respectful, and results-driven representative for every voice in District 3.
District 4: Slaughter-Titus
• Previous office held (if any)?: None.
• What motivated you to seek this office?: First, it’s time our leaders worked collectively on serving the needs of all the citizens. The commission is a non-partisan position. Serving as a commissioner you are there for the benefits of all those in your district and along with the other commissioners serving the best interest of the city. As someone who has experienced living in larger, metropolitan areas, as well as almost 30 years in Waycross, I bring a broader understanding of possibilities to the table. Waycross has changed over my 30 years, both in positive and disappointing ways. I believe that my past experience allows me to relate to the ‘new emerging Waycross community.
• What are the top one or two issues related to the office? Revenue and “critical” infrastructure as well as an able-bodied, skilled, willing work force.
• How would you address the issue(s) if elected?: Educate the public on revenue sources the city has to work with. Most don’t understand the only income is through property taxes and what’s received from the county.
Educational system utilization. Let’s encourage more dual enrollments, let’s encourage work-study to increase resources within families. Let’s make it easier to convert abandoned buildings into businessready facilities. Let’s put our heads together to get some sort of public transportation as work-capable people have no way to get to work. Let’s encourage people to house out-oftown students and build a resident building
District 4: Tompkins
• Previous office held (if any)?: I haven’t held public office.
• What motivated you to seek this office? I want to see our city move forward with honesty, accountability, and strong leadership. Waycross has so much potential, and I believe with integrity and teamwork, we can make real progress together.
• What are the top one or two issues related to the office?: We need more transparency and accountability in city government, and we need to focus on growth that benefits everyone — not just a few.
• How would you address the issue(s) if elected?: If elected, I’ll always put people first. That means being open, listening, and making decisions that reflect what’s best for our community. I’ll work to build trust, encourage open communication, and help attract the kind of growth and investment that makes Waycross a stronger, more vibrant city for all of us.
