Milledgeville mayoral candidates square off in final debate

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The candidates running for Milledgeville mayor are participating in the final debate before Election Day.

Melba Burrell, Floyd Griffin, and Gary Thrower talked about unification, economic development, and running an ethical government.

Burrell says regaining the community’s trust would be her top priority if elected.

“The first thing we have to do is establish a government the people can trust. [A] good, honest, transparent government will be established first,” Burrell said.

Griffin says his time serving as a former mayor of Milledgeville is key to improving the city because the newly elected leader will only serve for two and a half years.

“We need someone hitting the ground running, understand the issues, understand the players, and ready to take on the challenge day one,” Griffin said.

Thrower adds now that the city council has accepted the state’s accusations of violating the Open Meetings Act, the community can start moving forward with a new leader.

“Starting with a clean slate. I mean, there’s no reason that we can’t go forward and project some positive change very quickly,” Thrower said.

The Georgia College American Democracy Project hosted a student-facilitated forum Thursday night at the Georgia College Peabody Auditorium. Attendees submitted questions before hand and also on social media.

Early voting for the special election ends Friday, June 12. Election day is Tuesday, June 16.

Learn more about the candidates and their platforms here.