The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidates forum, Tuesday evening, in the auditorium of Evans High School.
The information session, free and open to the public, comprised of a series of panels, preceded by an informal meet-and-greet, featuring contenders for the Columbia County Board of Education and Board of Commissioners (BOC), as well as for the District 131 seat of the Georgia House of Representatives.
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Wendy Perry of the chamber’s board of directors moderated the panels, beginning with the candidates for the school board’s District 4 seat, Katie Allen and incumbent Lee Ann Meyer.
Per her campaign slogan, “back to basics,” Allen stressed an emphasis on basic academic skills, and proposed regular community engagement via town hall meetings to hear the concerns of parents, as well as of those working in the school system.
“When we’re talking about solid education, we are talking about a student’s future,” Allen said. “We’re glad that we’re Columbia County, we’re glad that we’re doing great, but sometimes it’s important… to step away from focusing on where we’re great and step into who is not doing great, and how we get them to succeed in our community.”
Meyer, in turn, highlighted the school district’s current successes, touting initiatives such as the Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) program and the Academic Curriculum of Excellence (ACE).
“The school board does not have our head stuck in the sand that we have failing students,” said Meyer. “We absolutely are working hard…to continue to improve our school system, to continue to make a great system greater.”
Among the candidates for BOC seats were Planning Commissioner Michael Carraway, Trey Allen, vying for a commissioner seat he had held for 12 years, Ricky Meredith and Mark Petersen.
Regarding the growth of Columbia County, Carraway underscored infrastructure improvements and augmenting the sherriff’s office, noting a 50-officer dearth in the department. Meredith echoed this concern about infrastructure, noting like Carraway a need for widening roads, while emphasizing an overall commitment to community engagement and letting the voices of residents determine his course.
Allen posited a focus on redevelopment, particularly Martinez; and Petersen proposed decreasing sales tax.
The Republican candidates for state house district 131 also spoke at the forum. Political science and economics professor Ben Cairns highlighted workforce development education. Rob Clifton, of Clifton Construction, reiterated a businesslike approach to addressing issues, particularly fiscal policy. Martinez educator Paul Abbott extolled supporting small businesses and drawing more industry to the area. Former Planning Commissioner Russell Wilder, who noted his concern for election integrity, proposed a return to paper ballots and more stringent policies on absentee ballots, and also expressed support for growth, but with the caveat that the county should attract likeminded constituents.
Advanced voting is currently underway for the general primary and special election. Election Day is May 21.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
