Voters Turn Out for First of Two Political Forums in Franklin County

Franklin County voters pack the Carnesville Community Center Tuesday evening to hear the first set of local candidates hold forth on the issues.

Sponsored by the Franklin County Republican Party, The Franklin County Chamber and the Franklin County Farm Bureau, the political forum included the candidates for County Commission Chair, County Commission District 1 and Board of Education Posts 1 and 2.

First to speak were the candidates for the Board of Education seats.

Board Chair Joe Greene is being challenged by Royston businessman Eric Burrell.

Greene said he wants to serve a fourth term to continue the progress that’s been made so far.

“The reason I want to run again is because I think the future is brighter than what we had in the past,” he said. “We’ve got a much brighter future coming to us. We’ve done a great job and great things, but the best is yet to come.”

Eric Burrell told the group he wants a chance to continue his life of service to the community by serving on the Board of Education.

Burrell said he’s familiar with the school system through his wife who is a teacher.

“I’m also a husband of a school teacher,” Burrell said. “She has been a mentor to children for 25 years. I hear the ups, the highs and the lows and by the end of September I can tell you what kind of year it’s going to be.”

Post 2 incumbent Pam Stone told the group she also wants to continue working on the progress the school system has made over the past nine years.

Her challenger, retired Franklin County teacher and coach Jo Beth James said she is committed to service and the education of Franklin County children.

Also speaking were candidates for County Commission Chair and County Commission District 1.

Thursday evening, another political forum will take place that will include candidates for Sheriff, District Attorney, Superior Court Judge and State Senate District 50.

That forum will also be held at the Carnesville Community Center from 7p to 9p.