Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick, Fabian Valazquez trade jabs in debate

In less than two months, Warner Robins voters will head to the polls to decide who will lead the city over the next four years.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – In less than two months, Warner Robins voters will head to the polls to decide who will lead the city over the next four years.

At Thursday night’s debate, the two mayoral candidates were asked about experience that qualified them for the role. Seeking a second term, Mayor LaRhonda Patrick touted her work in office, as well as her background in political science and law.

“For a city this size, there are real decisions that have to be made,” Patrick said. “There are real operations that have to completed. And you cannot entrust someone who has not studied to show themselves proved to run a city the size of Warner Robins, Georgia.” 

Her opponent, 24-year-old landscaper Fabian Valazquez, hit back, accusing the mayor of insinuating that those without degrees aren’t qualified to lead in local government.

“We all come here with ideas,” Valazquez said. “And we need to heat those ideas out before we grant someone authority over us just because they have a piece of paper.”

On the issue of taxes, Mayor Patrick discussed her record of holding the millage rate steady, while Valazquez said it’s the role of the mayor to put more pressure on county officials in looking after taxpayers. Another key focus of Velazquez’s campaign is crime in the city, particularly among youth. He says numbers showing a decrease don’t tell the full story.

“I’m seeing more kids walk around with guns,” Velazquez said. “They’re murdering each other. They’re getting murdered and committing murder.” 

Mayor Patrick countered, touting pay raises for the city’s law enforcement which she says had helping with staffing.

“That’s why we invest 54% of our budget into public safety to make sure that we are recruiting and retaining our workforce,” Patrick said. 

Both candidates enjoyed support inside Winning Church throughout the 90 minute debate, and closed with a pitch to undecided voters. Velazquez asked  residents to value his vision over experience.

“I am humbly coming before everyone in here to give me a shot,” Velazquez said. “I am doing this for an audience of one and that’s God.”

Patrick made a plea to voters to continue on the city’s current trajectory, saying she’s made good on her 2021 campaign promises.

“To run a good city we’ve got to do it together,” Patrick said. “Because this is our city, this is our future, and we’re just getting started.” 

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.