By GABE JORDAN
CORDELE — Voters will have the opportunity to hear detailed viewpoints from candidates for various local, state and federal offices Thursday at 7 p.m. at Crisp County High School.
Candidates from four different races will take the stage for a total of 10 minutes apiece to answer general questions prepared by the Cordele-Crisp County Chamber of Commerce public affairs committee and issue-oriented questions from the audience, according to chamber president Monica Simmons. Candidates will be allowed two minutes for both opening and closing comments and six minutes to answer questions.
“Certainly voter turnout in this year’s election will be high, since this is one of the most important elections in our nation’s history,” said Rick Fallaw, chair of the chamber’s public affairs committee. “This forum will allow voters to be better informed about the people who will shape the political future of our community, our state, and our nation.”
U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Columbus) is first on the agenda along with his challenger for the 2nd Congressional District seat, Lee Ferrell, a Republican from Albany. Candidates for the 147th State House seat, Democrat Roy C. Gibbs and Republican Buddy Harden, will close the forum.
Also on the agenda are county commission candidates Wallace Mathis, who is running as a Republican, and Billy White, who is running as a Democrat. They will be followed by non-partisan Superior Court candidates Chris Hughes and Harry Hurt.
Three weeks remain until the Nov. 4 general election, although early voting has begun. Voters can cast their ballots in person at the elections office in the Crisp County Courthouse or call 229-276-2611 to request an absentee ballot.
