District 3 runoff set for Tuesday

Columbia County's District 3 voters have two choices at the polls Tuesday: former Grovetown City Councilman Mark Devoti or Harlem businessman Tony Mundy.

Out of the equation until last week was Peggy Lichtenberg. The self described conservative Democrat received the fewest votes in the Aug. 20 primary, eliminating her from the runoff. But she stepped forward last week to endorse Mundy in Tuesday's vote.

"It is my belief, and Tony's promise, that he will strive to represent all the people of the district," she said in a letter.

The endorsement comes just two months after Mundy questioned the Columbia County Board of Elections about Lichtenberg's residency. He said she lived out of the district; she said she planned to move there as soon as her home was renovated.

That political squabble is apparently behind them now.

"We basically agree on the issues," said Mundy.

But the endorsement didn't sit well with Devoti.

"Peggy Lichtenberg supports Max Cleland and Tony Mundy," he said. "I support Saxby Chambliss and Sonny Purdue. If the voters want a real Republican, I'm their only choice."

Mundy said he wants to focus on improving District 3's standing in the county.

"We are a part of the whole, but it seems all the improvements are being done on the north side of I-20," he said.

Devoti's platform has changed little: He's standing on his experience.

"You just try to reach as many people as you can and get the voters back to the poles," he said. "That is the key."

On the Ballot

Special Election Runoff

For County Commissioner District #3

(To fill the unexpired term of Barry A. Fleming)

Mark Devoti (42)

Tony Mundy (43)

NOTE: Only voters living south of Interstate 20 are eligible to vote in the special election. The precincts are:

020 Harlem Middle School

021 Harlem Baptist Church

025 Bessie Thomas Community Center

026 Euchee Creek Elementary School

030 Grovetown City Hall

031 Grovetown United Methodist Church

032 Greater Augusta Apostolic Church

If a person voted in the Democratic Primary, they can vote only in the Democratic Primary Runoff. If a person voted in the Republican Primary, they can only vote in the Republican Primary Runoff. If a person voted just in the Nonpartisan Election only, they can vote in either primary Runoff. If a person didn't vote in either primary, they can vote in either runoff. The runoff is just an extension of the August 20th primary.

The last day for absentee votes is Monday. Ballots are available at the Board of Elections office, which is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.