Candidates in two races air opinions on issues

They've only had a month to campaign, and the five candidates hoping to be the next Columbia County commissioner made two last-ditch efforts to appeal to voters at candidate forums last week.

Tuesday's ballot will include five names to fill the vacant District 4 seat on the Columbia County Board of Commissioners. Some voters in Grovetown also will vote to choose between Tony Arnold and Mike Frazier as their next city councilman.

If no one secures 50 percent of the vote in the commissioner's race, a runoff election would take place Nov. 25.

One of those candidates, Rosa Lee Owens, told a group of more than 40 voters gathered at Thursday night's candidate forum at Harlem Middle School said she has been a longtime advocate for more road paving money to the district.

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"We need to stand up like you're doing, and show our backbone," she said. "I was there, and I spoke up."

Sam Jones said the area's economic development should depend on attracting new employers.

"We need another industrial park, and it'll probably be in the 4th District," he said.

George James instead stressed the need for the county to focus on its existing amenities to boost tourism.

"We have something right now we're not really utilizing - that's recreational facilities," he said, adding that playing host to more sports tournaments could generate more hotel/motel tax and business sales.

John Bentley said the county commissioners should be able to compromise on issues but not engage in secret deal-making.

"Deals shouldn't be made in smoke-filled rooms, it should be made above the board," he said.

And Lee Anderson said his leadership style would be to welcome input from constituents residents about issues.

"I'm a one-on-one person," he said. "If you call me, I will return your phone calls."