Chamber/WNEG Town Hall Political Forum held last night

Last night, six candidates for seats on the Toccoa City Commission participated in the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce/WNEG Town Hall Political Forum. Stephens County Development Authority Director Brittany Ivey served as moderator.

Appearing one-at-a-time before an audience of approximately 70 people at the Historic Ritz Theatre, the candidates gave a brief introduction, and then answered a set of eight questions regarding Toccoa policies, procedures and plans the candidate has for the community, if elected. 

Candidates participating in the Political Forum included Michelle Jamieson and Gary Cortellino, who are vying for the Post 3 seat on the Toccoa City Commission left vacant by the passing of commissioner Jennette Jamieson; Billy Chism and Ron Matheson, who are running for Post 2, currently held by Mayor David Austin, who is not running for reelection, and Post 4 incumbent Gail Fry, who is facing candidate Lenwood Cannon. Although Commissioner Terry Carter is running unopposed for reelection to his Post 1 seat, WNEG will also be asking him the same questions that were asked of candidates involved in the forum, as citizens should be able to hear the platforms and positions on current topics of interest from all elected officials, not just those currently competing for a seat.

Each candidate was asked the same set of questions, and none of the candidates were provided the questions prior to the event. Candidates awaited their turn on stage in the theatre’s green room, without electronic devices, and were not permitted to hear the questions, or their opponent’s answers, until it was their turn at the microphone. 

This afternoon, on wnegradio.com, we will provide audio of each candidate’s introduction statement, and each day following, we will provide audio, on our website, of all six candidate’s answers to one of the eight questions asked. We will also be asking candidates a set of additional questions that will be aired following the eight Forum questions. If any citizens have a question they would like to have considered as a WNEG question to the candidates, please email [email protected].

Tomorrow’s question that will be posted on wnegradio.com, along with candidate responses, is: As a city commissioner, would you support the expansion of the city sewer infrastructure. What areas of the community would be a priority, and how would you propose funding it.