By BECKY CRISSMAN

becky.crissman@gaflnews.com



VIENNA — Before making important decisions, it is best to know all the facts. Dooly County citizens had an opportunity Monday night to learn about the three candidates who are seeking the probate judge’s position in a special March 17 election.

The Dooly County Chamber of Commerce and the Vienna Woman’s Club sponsored a forum at the Dooly County Courthouse Monday night so that citizens could learn more about the candidates before they hit the polls. Early voting begins next Monday at the Economic Development Training Center on Hwy. 27 E. in Vienna and continues through the following Friday.

Brad Ray, chairman of Governmental Relations for the Chamber, served as moderator for the forum, and asked candidates to respond to a number of questions.

Candidates include Rooney Bowen III, Kelvin O’Keith Turner, and the currently appointed probate judge, John Sherrer who was appointed to the position last September following the retirement of Dwayne Forehand.

Ray explained some of the duties of a probate judge who handles traffic cases, marriage licensing, and wills, among other things.

Once the questions and answers began, each candidate had 3 minutes to answer each question. There was also time for rebuttals.

When asked why they decided to run for the position Bowen commented that he came from a family of public servants.

Turner, who was first to answer told citizens that he could bring honesty to the position. He said he would respect all citizens as well as make himself accessible to the citizens.

Sherrer chose to run, he said, because he felt that his legal expertise could be of value to the position.

“I have handled some emergencies,” said Sherrer. “There have been some challenges. It has been business as usual.”

Sherrer said he has been the judge for the Vienna City Court for 20 years where he has tried thousands of cases. He also has served as the Unadilla city judge for over 10 years, and he has been a lawyer for over 1/4 of a century. He also served 17 years as public defender, he explained.

“I am current on all laws, both statutory and case law,” said Sherrer. “I believe it is important for a judge to know case laws because they change from day to day.

“I also am knowledgeable of the rules of evidence. A probate judge should be able to maintain and protect the rights of the people and cannot do so without knowledge.”

Bowen’s experience lies in 14 years with the Board of Public Safety where he worked setting up policies of the GBI and the Georgia State Patrol.

“I know a great deal about traffic laws,” said Bowen. “We also set policy for fingerprint and background checks that go through the probate court. I have a lot of experience working both with my father and around judges.

“This is not rocket science, just common people serving the needs of common people.”

On the other hand, Turner said he believes his police and military background sum up his qualifications to serve as the next probate judge.

“I have 9 years police experience and 6 years in the United States Army,” Turner said. “My best talent is that I am a people person.”

Each candidate had their own community activities to boast about and plans for the future. Bowen prides himself on his love for children. He said he wants to be wherever the kids are.

Turner, who is a cub master said he participates in schools and community activities.

Sherrer wants to work to bring youth closer to God, he said. As a member of the First Baptist Church he has worked on a youth committee. He also wants to utilize his God-given talents and his occupation to help others.

In the past, he said, he has helped people work out marriage problems and helped in issues of custody. He has also helped churches become corporations and build new facilities and structures.

Each candidate finished by giving reasons they felt they should be elected to serve as the next probate judge.

A point of contention in the present probate court office is the automated phone system.

Bowen promised citizens that as one of his first acts of business, he would remove the automated system all together.

“It will be cut off even if I have to get my Mama up here to answer the phone,” he joked.

Sherrer said he feels that the phone system should be improved upon and Turner said that he too would work on the communication issue.

The issue of traffic tickets also was brought up. “I believe that traffic tickets should be handled in house,” said Turner. “Available hours should include Saturday to accommodate those citizens unable to take time from their jobs.”

Citizens were given a great wealth of information to aide them in their decision when preparing to cast their vote. Early voting will begin on March 9 and election day will be March 17.