Meet the Candidates in Run Off Election for State Representative District 139

The race for state representative in District 139 is not over yet. Patty James-Bentley and Tom Coogle are in the run-off election and fighting for your vote.

James Bentley and Coogle say they have what it takes to represent District 139, which covers Macon, Taylor and Dooly counties along with the Fort Valley area of Peach County. Both candidates say their background in business will help them bring more jobs to the area.

BUTLER, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – James Bentley and her husband opened Bentley Montford Mortuary five years ago in Butler. She says her business experience will help her build the local workforce.

“I plan to work closely with with local and county and city governments as well as with our state officials, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, to help place these counties in a position where they can be more attractive for potential business prospects,” James Bentley said.

She believes in addition to her business background, her experience in public service as chairman of the Taylor County Board of Commissioners makes her the best candidate for the job.

“This is my opportunity to step forward and really work to serve and help more people of this district,” she said.

Coogle is the other candidate on the ballot. Born and raised in Macon County, Coogle says working in the family supermarket business will help him win this race.

“My business background is going to help me recruit people to the area and also help them make a plan that is viable for the area and help them choose which county in our area they may want to go to go,” Coogle said.

Coogle says he wants to use his knowledge to bring businesses and jobs to the District 139.

“Knowing business is going to help and if we have a candidate that I believe does not know business in the upcoming years, we’re going to fail,” he said.

Now and until election day, both candidates will be pounding the pavement and working to win your vote.

Early voting started on Friday in Macon and Taylor counties. Residents in Dooly County and Fort Valley can start voting on Monday. Election day is August 21.