Local and regional Democratic candidates stumped Tuesday night at a forum organized by the Lowndes County Federation of Democratic Women. The event was held at the Municipal Complex and drew about 75 people.
Speakers included candidates for 16th Circuit District Attorney, sheriff, coroner and supervisors for District 1 and District 5. Candidates were given three to five minutes to speak, and did not take questions. Republican and independent candidates were not invited.
The election is Nov. 7.
District Attorney
Incumbent Democrat Scott Colom is facing Republican challenger Jase Dalrymple.
Colom said he realized he grew up with advantages his peers didn’t have.
“I was born on second base,” Colom said. “I grew up with two parents who were professionals and both of them were in my life. I never wanted for food or housing or clothes. … Public schools exposed me to people without the advantages I had.”
Colom said he went into public service to give back to the community.
“I didn’t go to law school to work at a corporate law firm,” Colom said. “… What my mom and dad put in my heart is service. They told me to come back to Columbus and give back to the people who have given to me.”
Colom said his door is open to everyone.
“I’m not going to be the kind of DA that only speaks to people at the country club, and those are the only ones who have my ear,” Colom said. “Anybody can get my ear. Southside, Northside, the country club, if you have something you want me to know I will hear you out.”
Sheriff
Willie Jones is challenging Republican incumbent Eddie Hawkins.
Jones said he is a retired law enforcement officer, and worked for 21 years at the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, including three years as a sergeant and 15 years as a lieutenant in the patrol division. He also worked for the Aberdeen Police Department for about six years.
Jones said he wants to represent everyone in Lowndes County.
“I want to be a sheriff for everyone, no matter who you are or where you stand,” Jones said. “… We want to put God first and do the right thing and treat people fair. That’s somebody’s child, and you can go home knowing you treated them right and you can sleep at night.”
He said he would work closely with Chief Joseph Daughtry and Columbus Police Department.
“It’s about teamwork,” Jones said. “It’s not about who done this and who done that.”
Coroner
Williams is running for coroner against Republican incumbent Greg Merchant.
He emphasized his education and his experience working in the funeral industry.
“I’ve been to school, I’ve gotten an education, I am a licensed funeral home director and embalmer,” Williams said. “I am certified nationally in this job. This is something I’ve always dreamed of and always wanted to do.”
Williams said he was ready for the burdens that come with the job.
“It’s nothing new to get a phone call at 4 a.m. or 2 a.m. or when I’m on a date with my love and we’re eating that steak,” Williams said. “This is not new to me. This is my life. I love serving people with compassion and love.”
District 1 supervisor
Tommy Lee Kidd will face Republican Matt Furnari in the general election. Incumbent Harry Sanders did not seek reelection.
Kidd worked for 33 years in the Lowndes County Road Department, 15 of which were as a manager.
“This is my first opportunity to run for supervisor, and I don’t take that lightly,” Kidd said. “… I worked with (Supervisor Jeff Smith) and other people who are close to me, and all we talk about is helping. That’s what I want to do.”
Kidd said he wanted to continue recruiting jobs and feeding the county’s growth.
“I want to work with the board to get jobs (in Lowndes County),” Kidd said. “They’ve started some good stuff over there. These jobs have given opportunities to people and they can live comfortably.”
District 5 supervisor
Democrat incumbent Leroy Brooks is facing off against independent challenger Tiffany Turner.
Brooks touted his long experience in politics.
“I got elected when I was 30 years old,” Brooks said. “When I walked in the door I said I have come to shake the foundation of the courthouse, and for 40 years I’ve been shaking it. … I’ve been on the Democratic Executive Committee for 40 years, and on the state committee. I’ve been to the national committee four times.”
Brooks said he was running because “… I am the best candidate in the race.”
“I’m not afraid to speak up,” Brooks said. “I’m not afraid to challenge the system. I can’t tell you all I did in 40 years. I can’t tell you all I did last week. I go to the office every day prepared to represent the people that elected me.”
Brian Jones is the local government reporter for Columbus and Lowndes County.
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