Republican canadidates rally

Columbia County Republican candidates were on hand Thursday night to tell residents why they are the right person for the job.

Local candidates attended the Republican Party Rally, held at the Savannah Rapids Pavillion.

District 1 candidate Frank Spears spoke of his track record as commissioner for the past three years adding he has never missed a committee meeting and missed only two commissioners meetings.

"I've been on a team that has put together a balanced budget for the citizens of Columbia County with no tax increase," Spears said.

His opponent, Steve Brown, arrived late because of a planning commission meeting, but told the crowd his record speaks for itself.

"I want to make a positive contribution," Brown said. "I'm not up there for anything else but to improve what we already have."

Andy Kingery and Ron Cross are running for the commission chair. Neither have experience in the political arena but both feel their personal experiences make them capable for the job.

Cross said his construction business and the county have been good to his family. If elected, he would like to create citizen's council consisting of four residents of each district.

"I want to get some grass roots opinions about how things are going in the county."

Kingery, a retired banker, said his community service demonstrates his desire to give to the community. As a past chairman for Columbia County Chairman of Commerce he went to Washington to lobby for Fort Gordon, Eisenhower Hospital and the Savannah River site open.

"When you look at my community service and my experience in looking at $90 million budgets, I think you'll pick me to be your next chairman."