As the Lowndes County District 5 supervisor race heats up, Independent Roger Larsen, founder of The Columbus Packet, and Democrat Leroy Brooks, the incumbent, met Thursday at the Columbus Exchange Club and offered their thoughts on important issues facing the district.
Larsen noted “racial animosity” and economic development as the two issues he wants to focus on if elected.
“What I would do is take the racial animosity out of the equation,” Larsen said. “I think it’s counter productive.”
Larsen expanded on his comments after the meeting and said he feels Brooks “plays the blacks against the whites” in the district and uses the fact that the district’s population is majority black to continuously win the district seat.
Brooks responded that he has black and white supporters.
“As far as racial animosity, I don’t know what that is,” Brooks said.
Brooks also mentioned economic development but said it must coincide with the community’s well being.
“We must protect the community,” Brooks said.
Larsen wants to focus on development west of the river, particularly sewage for residents.
“There’s sewage for industry, but there needs to be residential sewage,” Larsen said.
Brooks, who has been a county supervisor for 28 years, touted his experience and knowledge of the position as reasons to vote for him in the election.
Larsen owned The Columbus Packet for 18 years before selling it last year. Larsen previously said his desire to eliminate racial divisions, along with his knowledge of the issues, is the reason he is the best candidate for the seat.
Brooks defeated Kenneth McFarland, volunteer coordinator for Columbus schools and former Columbus Boys and Girls Club director, in the August primary to claim the Democratic nomination. Brooks received 67.31 percent of the votes.
The Exchange Club will host two candidates in a local election each Thursday at the Columbus Country Club as the November general election approaches. Forrest Allgood and Steve Wallace, candidates for district attorney, will speak next.
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