A majority of the candidates in two local races gathered in front of voters Monday night, April 25, for a Candidate Forum sponsored by the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce.
Three of four candidates seeking Bobby Bearden’s seat on the school board and three of five running for the Post 2 commission seat fielded a variety of questions.
Ninth District U.S. Representative candidate Gregory Howard was the only candidate from among six in that race to attend the forum.
Each local candidate was given two minutes for an opening statement, followed by questions, and then a two minute closing statement.
Bearden and challenger Debi Holcomb were the first candidates to field questions. The third candidate on the school board ballot, Clarence Junior Farmer, said he could not attend due to recent back surgery and being unable to drive.
Bearden said, “My heart’s in it,” as he discussed his two priorities, quality education for all children and to work for the citizens and taxpayers of Fannin County.
Holcomb said, “I am concerned with different things I hear.” She called for transparency in the board, saying she wanted to change and monitor what is taking place in the schools.
Asked about their experience as to qualifying them for the school board, Bearden said, “Knowledge is a great teacher.” He talked about all he’s learned while serving on the board.
Holcomb cited being a mother and grandmother with involvement in their education and her various other community activities.
In closing, Holcomb assured voters, “I am capable. I care.”
Bearden said the school system is doing great. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Bearden and Holcomb, as well as Farmer, are on the May 24 Republican ballot. There is no Democratic challenger in the race.
Appearing in the Post 2 race were incumbent Glenn Patterson and challengers Larry Joe Sosebee and Anita Weaver.
Greg Staffins said he could not attend due to allergies and Larry Syputa said he had been in a car wreck over the weekend and suffered a concussion.
Patterson opened by saying he is “very proud” of the board of commissioners’ accomplishments while he has been in office. He cited paying off the courthouse, new playground equipment, and keeping roads and bridges in good shape.
Sosebee said he was previously on the commission board from 2010 to 2018. He said safety is his top priority, promising an open door policy and stewardship of taxpayer money. He said the courthouse was refinanced when he was in office and that he is a certified county commissioner.
Weaver said, “I care about what’s happening to our county and I want to help save our county.” She said she has been on the water authority for four years and is currently chairman. She retired from United Community Bank as senior vice president and previously worked for the county Clerk of Court.
When asked about the biggest challenge facing the county, Weaver addressed the need for county wide water. She talked of situations such as 60 families being served by a single well and said it will take cooperation from the cities to fix the problem.
Patterson said challenges are ever changing and the county has “to stay in front of the curve.” He agreed about water being a challenge and also mentioned affordable housing.
Sosebee said both affordable housing and water challenge the county. He said affordable housing has been talked about for a long time, but there is no government solution. He said even when grants are received there are too many strings attached.
When asked their motivations for running, Sosebee said, “Fannin County and its citizens have been good to me and it’s time to give back.”
Patterson said because change is coming, and we need to be ready.
Weaver said she wants to fight for local citizens.
In closing statements, Weaver said, “With your help we can make the changes needed to preserve our county.”
Sosebee said he has “always wanted the best for our citizens,” and promised to be vocal and transparent.
Patterson said the good working relationship among the three current commissioners needs to be preserved to “get things done for our citizens.”
Patterson, Sosebee and Weaver, as well as Staffins, are all on the May 24 Republican ballot.
The winner of the primary, or primary runoff if necessary, will face Syputa, the lone Democratic candidate, in November.