Heads or tails, medallion honors county courthouse

Local dignitaries attending an invitation-only dinner the night before the Columbia County Justice Center dedication will have a jingle in their pockets when they leave.

The county will give them a key-chain with a bronze medallion that features both the Columbia County Courthouse in Appling and the Columbia County Justice Center.

"We have both the oldest and the newest courthouses in Georgia, and that's why we wanted to commemorate both of them," said Marilyn Heuer, Columbia Countthe council for working together.

"The mayor can do nothing by himself," Dean said.

If elected, he promises to improve communication among council members and always listen to residents.

"I promise to listen with patience," he said. "I promise to speak with respect. I promise to serve with honor."

He hopes to maintain Harlem's "hometown atmosphere," encourage more citizen participation in government and create a downtown business association.

If Bently maintains his hold on the mayor's job, he wants to ensure that the city's sewer system is OK'd by the state and maintain the integrity and appeal of Harlem.

City council hopeful Morris said it really does not matter to him who is at the helm of the city's government.

"I served under three mayors, I can serve under anybody," he said. "I am running because I am concerned. I want to make sure there is no wasted spending."

Morris said it all comes down to experience. He was a member of the city council for 23 years, before taking thep ast two years off from politics.

"I think the city council needs some experience," he said. "I have more than the council members and mayor combined."

Dixon also talks about the importance of experience. He was a methodist preacher for more than 40 years and has served on the city council for six years. In September, he was appointed to fill the seat Dean gave up to run for mayor.

"I've had a lot more time to learn things than (the other candidates) have," he said.

Dixon and his wife have lived in Harlem for 16 years and they plan to live in the city for the rest of their lives. Serving on the city council allows Dixon to work closely with the city's residents.

"I don't have any other reason to serve," he said.

Thigpen is a relative newcomer to Harlem politics, though he's lived in the city for 17 years and served on various local committees.

"I think I am a good, honest, stable candidate that is sensible, somewhat conservative and really feel strongly about a hometown city," he said. "I like this little city. It is a good place to live and raise a family."

He wants to help the city maintain it's quality of life while maintaining its roots in history.

"If you promote your family atmosphere, and your growth as far as family and residential goes, the commercial will take care of itself," he said. "I think this is a great place and people see to like to be there."