2 Candidate Forums Set Next Week

In anticipation of the upcoming District 4 election, citizens of Jasper County are invited to attend two public forums to learn more about candidates Asher Gray and Jimmy Vance.

The first public forum will take place on Monday August 21 at 7 p.m. at the courthouse in the small courtroom. The forum will be mediated by David McGuire. Mr. McGuire, who resides in District 1, has served as an election supervisor for the past eight years. He is committed to ensuring the forum is conducted in a neutral and formal manner. Candidates will get three minutes for an introductory statement, two minutes for each question asked, as well as a three minute closing remark.

The second public forum will take place the following day on Tuesday, August 22 at 7 p.m. at the Turtle Cove Clubhouse. The forum will be hosted by the Turtle Cove Woman’s Club, with President Barbara Garwin moderating. Questions will be compiled by both the woman’s club and via email ahead of time at barbgarvin@bellsouth.com. The press release states that everyone is welcome to attend, not just Turtle Cove Residents.

Both Mr. Gray of Bailey Road and Mr. Vance of Turtle Cove have met all the necessary qualifications and statutes needed to be eligible for office. The seat was left vacant back in June when Gerald Stunkel announced his immediate resignation. The special election will take place Tuesday, September 19 with early voting beginning August 28 lasting through September 15 . The Courthouse will be open for voters on Saturdays, Sept. 2 and 9. Voter registration is open until Monday, August 21.