Rockdale Citizen

CONYERS -- The election season in Rockdale County is picking up steam as more opportunities arise for voters to hear from candidates at local forums.

The South Rockdale Civic Association will hold a forum Tuesday, June 19, for all candidates seeking election to local judgeships, as well as the clerk of courts seat.

The forum begins with a meet-and-greet at 6:30 p.m. at Union United Methodist Church, 4600 Ga. Highway 138 S., Stockbridge, with the political forum beginning at 7 p.m.

The forum format will allow questions from the audience as well as submitted written questions asked by a moderator.

SRCA President Don Meyer said Tuesday that so far Republican candidates Hollie Bowie, clerk of courts; incumbent Clarence "Rudy" Horne Jr., Magistrate Court judge; and incumbent Lillis J. Brown, Probate Court judge, have said they will participate in the forum. Nonpartisan candidates for Superior Court judge Robert Mumford and Gary Washington are also expected to participate.

On the same night, the Rockdale Fraternal Order of Firefighters Inc. will hold a candidates forum to explore commission candidates' positions on public safety issues.

Dan Morgan of the Rockdale FOF said candidates for Rockdale County Commission chairman and commission Post 1 have been invited to participate in the moderated forum. Morgan said candidates will be asked to answer questions developed by the Rockdale FOF, which will cover all sectors of public safety in Rockdale County.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Rockdale County auditorium, 904 Main St., Conyers, and is expected to last two hours, Morgan said.

BOC chair candidates invited to participate are: incumbent Democrat Richard Oden, Democrat Brian Jenkins, and Republican Jason Hill. Candidates for Post 1 invited to participate are: incumbent Democrat Oz Nesbitt, Democrat Jerry Shepperd, and Republicans Sam Smiley and Tom Harrison.