Columbia County School Board race

Question: What is your take on the possibility of a sitting school board member suing the system she represents?

Mildred "Mickie" Blackburn

It's like I said the other day in the debate, it's an awkward situation.

Alma "Sissy" Hobbs

There obviously is a problem within the board of education if somebody is suing them.

Question: What qualifications would you personally like to see in the school system's next superintendent?

Mildred "Mickie" Blackburn

He's got to be a person with some vision and he also needs to come with some experience.

Alma "Sissy" Hobbs

I would like to see a more hands-on superintendent. Why can't he be down there talking to the cafeteria workers, bus drivers, teachers and parents? Why can't he be more involved?

Question: What policies would you like to initiate to better deal with the system's rapid enrollment growth and ongoing construction programs?

Mildred "Mickie" Blackburn

I just think we've got to find a way to meet the needs of the growth. We're grateful for the SPLOST, which has helped us tremendously.

Alma "Sissy" Hobbs

I understand that we need a good reserve, but why can't we borrow from the reserve and build the schools that are needed and then get that money back from the state and put it back in there?

CANDIDATE PROFILES

Mildred "Mickie" Blackburn

Residence: Martinez Age: 75

Political experience: Eight-year incumbent on the Columbia County school board

Profession: Retired teacher

Education: A Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Wesleyan University

Family: Two grown children and four grandchildren

Alma "Sissy" Hobbs

Residence: Martinez

Age: 46

Political experience: None

Profession: Former school bus driver

Education: Evans High School

Family: Husband, Samuel; son Christopher Lamberth, 18; daughter Kara Lamberth, 14