Candidates Weigh in on Jobs, Other Topics at Jones County Political Forum

JONES COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Monday night in Jones County, candidates answered questions about consolidation and firefighter pay, among others, but the biggest topic at the political forum was jobs.

“Our unemployment in this area and this district is higher than our state average,” says Rep. Bubber Epps, 140th district, who is running for the new District 144 seat.  “I think jobs is our priority; I know they’re my priority.  Economic development is a major tool for all industries and communities to grow.”

State Representative Bubber Epps was one of several candidates who answered questions from the crowd at WE Knox Civic Center.  His opponent for the District 144 seat, Mary Ann Whipple-Lue, was not at the forum.

In the State Senate, District 25 race, Democrat Darrell Black is up against Republican Burt Jones.  Jones says he’s running because he feels middle Georgia is falling behind the rest of the state.

“I think we’re being overlooked when it comes to commercial properties and state projects that are going on around the state,” says Jones.  “And I just think we need a new energy, a new face for District 25, and I think I’ll be able to do that and succeed.”

Black says he has the experience the district needs.

“I’ve worked with everybody of every ethnic group, age group, economic settings, and I’ve worked (in sales) persuading people and listening to people–working with things and products,” says Black.  “It’s a wide variety of experience that I’ve had in my life and I think I can put it all into the state senate seat.”

On the local level, incumbent County Commission Chairman, Preston Hawkins, is being challenged by Chuck Baker.  The two candidates pretty much agreed on every question, except one that was asked about citizen speaking time limits at commission meetings.

Hawkins told the audience the current three minute limit is necessary to speed up meetings but said if there are problems that take longer to explain, he’s fine with holding special work sessions before commission meetings to address the issues.

Baker says he does not support a citizen time limit.

In the County Commission, District 4 race, incumbent Bert Liston says his years of experience in the county, plus being retired, will give him an advantage to get things done.

His opponent, Democrat Daylon Martin, says he’s running to represent constituents in all areas of his district and that he just wants to make a difference.

Republican Bobby Gale was also at the forum Monday night.  He’s running against Democrat David Lucas for the State Senate, District 26 seat.  You can see our interview with Gale from Monday’s 6 p.m. newscast at our YouTube page.

Tuesday at 6, David Lucas will be in our studio.