Candidate Forum Is Held

The Monticello – Jasper County Chamber of Commerce (COC) hosted a candidate forum last Thursday for candidates for all contested local and area races.

After all the candidates were introduced, the candidates for Superior Court Judge and Chief Magistrate were seated and asked several questions. Afterwards, the candidates for county commission and school board had questions addressed to them. Adam McGinnis moderated the event. State Rep. Susan Holmes provided the closing remarks.

SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE CANDIDATES

Dawn Baskin introduced herself and said she is a senior assistant district attorney, but also was an attorney in private practice for seven years. She has tried cases throughout the circuit, including in Jasper County.

Christian Henry is an attorney with a private practice in Madison, but practiced for five years in Atlanta. He said his family chose to make this circuit home. He has a wife and two children. He said he has done all types of litigation and much local government work.

Amanda Petty said she has lived in the circuit here entire life, and Milledgeville is home. She is active in Milledgeville First United Methodist Church. She said she is committed to the circuit. She has litigated many cases, and says she has practiced much family law, advocating for children and families.

The candidates were asked what they considered their greatest accomplishment in their legal career.

Ms. Baskin said she initiated the formation of the special victims unit of the district attorney’s office. She said often child molestation cases as well as rape, child cruelty and homicide weren’t being tried as quickly as they should because no one in the office was particularly comfortable trying them. She offered to do it. She has had jury trials in all courts in the circuit she said. She said she works well with law enforcement, the clerk’s office, the Department of Family and Children Services, and the schools.

Mr. Henry said that he wasn’t sure of just one instance, but said it is rewarding when you have a successful case. He said as county attorney in Morgan County he has helped expand the Morgan Count Parks & Recreation Department and he is proud of that.

Ms. Petty said there was not one thing that came to mind, but the fact that she has helped families is rewarding. She also has helped individuals and businesses, and said it is rewarding to help clients. She talked of her pro bono work and a particular case of an abused woman.

Next they were asked what they considered their greatest strength for the judgeship.

Ms. Baskin said she has the experience, and an understanding of different kinds of cases. She highlighted the number of cases she has tried, and motions she has argued, and said she has the wisdom, knowledge and understanding, which equal experience to be the best candidate for the job.

Mr. Henry said he has a broad range of experience. He has practiced law for 19 years, and understands the operation of different courts. He said he understands the subtle nuances of the court system, and said he has seen some good models and some bad models.

Ms. Petty also said she has experience, but said her greatest asset is her temperament. She said people have a right to be heard, and commented on how many different cases you hear on a motion day. She said a judge must be rational.

The next question for the judges asked if they had ever struggled with how they’ve handled a case.

Ms. Baskin said her job is to serve the citizens of the state of Georgia and said that means all the citizens. She mentioned a rape case that was particularly difficult.

Mr. Henry said yes, daily. He said he often second guesses himself after a closing argument or after he has agreed to take a case.

Ms. Petty agreed that she often struggles with how she handled a case. She mentioned a particular case when she was guardian ad litem for four children of meth addicted parents. She said she advocated for the parents’ rights to be terminated, and wonders to this day how the children are.

CHIEF MAGISTRATE JUDGE CANDIDATES

Bobby Jacobs introduced himself, saying he and his wife, Cheryl have been married 16 years, and they have three children. He is a member of Monticello Baptist Church, and a small business owner. He served on the Monticello City Council for eight years, and as a Magistrate for four years. He is a veteran of Desert Storm.

Tim Lam thanked everyone for coming saying it is important to hear from the candidates. He said he has been practicing law in Monticello since 1989, and serves as solicitor for Jasper County Probate Court. His daughter, April is in the Air Force in Hungary, and daughter, Tori, lives in Milledgeville. He and his wife, Janice are raising two boys now.

Angie Steele said she currently is a Magistrate and has been for 11 years. She has lived in Jasper County for the last 30 years, and she and her husband have seven children. She said she loves the community and she is here to serve. She said she has the experience and training to remain on the bench.

The candidates were asked what they hoped to accomplish if elected.

Mr. Jacobs said he wants to implement a diversion treatment court for veterans and spoke to some of the issues veterans have upon returning from active duty.

Mr. Lam said he is the only attorney in the race. He said Magistrates as judges don’t accomplish, they hear cases and interpret the law. He said he plans to run the office part-time and be paid by the hour. He said he is neutral and detached, and has no conflict of interest.

Mrs. Steele said that Chief Magistrate is clearly a full time position. She said that an online warrant system has been established while she has been at the office, and that she does want to implement a better website, and get an online payment system in effect. She said she is working on setting up a video system for first appearances. She invited everyone to come see what goes on in Magistrate Court.

The candidates were then asked about their community service.

Mr. Jacobs said he is or has been a member of the Historical Foundation, contributed to the ML&J fund, supports the Food Bank, Care Corps, and said it is important that we reach out and help each other.

Mr. Lam said most of his community service has been in his field of law. He has represented a lot of indigent people. He said he serves the community by serving individuals, and specifically named domestic problems he has assisted with.

Mrs. Steele said the was the eighth district representative to the Magistrate Court Council for six years, and is active in the COC, Boy Scouts, being an advisor to the Explorer program, is chair of the child abuse protocol committee, is the chair of the attendance protocol committee, previously served as a mentor and is a graduate of Leadership Jasper.

The candidates were asked what useful experience or knowledge they bring to the office.

Mr. Jacobs said his lifelong experience, including education, family and being a veteran work together to make you who you are. He has also served as a Magistrate. He said all that makes you able to talk to people.

Mr. Lam said his education makes him ideal for the job. He said his life’s work, including 27 years as an attorney, qualify him. He said he ran for the same office four years ago, and he is devoted to the position. He said you need to be properly trained.

Mrs. Steele said her on-the-job training for the past 11 years makes her qualified. She said she has taken every training class possible. She said you have to know what the Magistrate Court does. She talked about doing legal research and quoting case law. She said you can do the job without a law degree. Also, she said of the 159 Chief Magistrates in the state, only nine are part time.

COUNTY COMMISSION CANDIDATES

Roger Harrison, who is running for the District 5 Commission seat, said he’s a ninth generation Jasper Countian, and graduated from Jasper County High School in 1997. He said he has lived all over the country, and he decided to come home and contribute here. He says he feels the best days for Jasper County are ahead, and working together we can accomplish much.

Doug Luke, District 5 incumbent who is seeking re-election, said he has lived here 14 years, and said he serves with a fantastic group of guys. He said he believes our brightest days are ahead, and the commissioners are working together to improve the quality of life here.

Ross Hays, who is seeking the District 3 seat as an independent, said he has lived in Turtle Cove for the last three years. He is a graduate of Eastside High School, and is married to the former Stephanie Bales. They lived in Newborn, a stone’s throw from the county until three years ago. Jasper County is home to us, he said. He also said that the county has bright years ahead, but that he has some different ideas.

Gene Trammell, District 3 incumbent who is seeking re-election, said he is delighted to be here. He said that he has lived here 10 years. He said it took him 60 years to get here, and the grandkids brought him and his wife, Jeanne. He said he wants to do his part to make sure things are better, and he knows they’re getting better. We’re just pulling out of the doldrums of the economic downturn, he said.

The first question to the commissioners was why did they decide to run.

Mr. Harrison said his family raised him with a public service attitude. He mentioned his involvement in 4-H in high school, and now, and said Jasper County is home. I care about the community and the future, he said. He said we need to be prepared for growth as it is coming. He said his training is in economic development and he supports smart growth, clean growth. The growth is coming, he said.

Mr. Luke said he is running for re-election for the same reason he ran in the first place, he wants to help people. He said he thought it would be noble to do public service, but it has blossomed to be so much more. He said they have brought some stability to county government, and they have a vision. He said without vision, people will perish. He closed by saying we need smart, sustainable growth.

Mr. Hays said he served on the citizens’ landfill committee, and when they got to looking at financials it was difficult to get information. He said he was asked to run, and went on Facebook to get feedback, and people encouraged him the run. Gene Trammel who he is challenging even encouraged Mr. Hays to run, saying it would make it interesting.

Mr. Trammell said this election is a barometer. We’ve taken a different track, and have been progressive. He described Jasper County as a diamond in the rough and said he is proud to be a part of making it better. We’re on the cusp of some really good things happening, he said.

The commission candidates were asked about their public service.

Mr. Luke said he has done nothing as an individual, that the commissioners work as a team. He said it is good being able to address concerns and mitigate problems. He said on the BOC accomplishments come when they work as a team.

Mr. Hays said he served on the landfill committee, the citizens’ advisory committee for Jasper Memorial Hospital. He said he talks to people all the time, does little everyday things for people. He told of a time he helped a deputy get a tree out of the road.

Mr. Trammell said he served as school superintendent, on the Board of Health, is active in his church, and serving on the BOC there is no I. He said the commissioners actually like each other and can laugh and talk, and have a good time, but they know how to make tough decisions, and sometimes make hard decisions.

Mr. Harrison said he is a past board member of the Chamber of Commerce and served as a volunteer in the Mentor Program. He is currently a volunteer firefighter at North Alcovy, is music director at Prospect United Methodist Church, and is active with 4-H, FBLA, governor’s honors. He said he tries to do as much as possible with the school.

The last question for the commissioners asked what would they do if they had a development proposal that met all the regulations, but that the constituents were opposed to.

Mr. Hays said that his oath is to uphold the constitution. He said if the citizens oppose, then he’ll oppose. “You’re not there to protect them from themselves,” he said.

Mr. Trammell said that if they have followed the law, the commissioners must too. He said if they meet all the regulations then the commission can be sued if the use is not allowed.

Mr. Harrison said he would make sure to hold an information session, and extend the discovery time. He said he would ask the question is it for the greater good.

Mr. Luke said you have to have balance. Government doesn’t just go to the people who show up, he said. He said they need to have good information out, and as public servants it is important to be a good listener and stand on behalf of his constituents.

SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

Bill Schilling introduced himself, saying he is a writer, former teacher, former businessman, father of three. He said he came to Jasper County in 1989 and met his wife, Elaine Penn. They traveled, but came back and settled here 15 years ago because of the quality of life here.

Wesley Sparks said he is the son of Jerry and Shirley Sparks, and a graduate of Jasper County High School. He and his wife, Leslie, have a son, Cody. He said he believes we need conservative, common sense leadership on the school board.

The first question asked the candidates what their greatest strength was for being a school board member.

Mr. Schilling said his professionalism, background training, education, being a former teacher and his work experience. He referred to his dedication to the job. He has served on three school councils, the parent-community advisory board which recently visited the state Department of Education, and his judgment, he said.

Mr. Sparks said that dealing with the public as a business owner for 25 years he knows how to listen to all sides and make tough decision. He said he served on the oversight committee for the school, which made recommendations. He said the funding for the schools comes from the taxes that we pay, and his goal is to educate the children as best we can and do it efficiently.

The candidates were asked their vision for the future of the system.

Mr. Sparks said we must educate the children. We have to do the best we can in the most efficient way. They’ll be our next judges magistrates, commissioners, businessmen, etc. He said he is for a 180 day school year.

Mr. Schilling said we have to be good at everything, and becoming a Charter System will help achieve that goal. He talked about career-ready, and said he want to build the system so people want to come here because of the schools.

They were then asked their views on the needs of the children.

Mr. Schilling said we serve 95 percent of the kids in the county, and therefore we have to be good at everything.

Mr. Sparks said we have to educate our children first, the more the better. It’s the key to the future.

In closing remarks, Mr. Sparks said it is plain a simple. He is for a 180-day school year, he is not for tax increases, and he can made the tough decisions.

Mr. Schilling said he is not for tax increases, saying he is a fiscal conservative. We need leadership, he said, strong, well-educated leadership.

The last question for the School Board candidates asked if the state should be allowed to take over non-performing schools, as there will be a constitutional amendment on the ballot these November about that.

Both candidates said yes, if all options have been exhausted, the state should take over.