Richmond County Candidate Forum held for Commission Candidates

Isabella Moody
·2 min read

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and 11 other organizations will host Candidate Forums for the community.

Candidate Forum One featured Augusta Commission Candidates for Districts 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. All were invited, but some could not attend due to conflicts.

“It gives folks an opportunity to hear from candidates who are running for public office and get an idea of what their platforms are,” said Jordan Johnson, District 1 Commissioner. “And I’ve been in office for the past three and half years, going on four years, and I was very excited to be able to share some of the progress that we have made.”

This event was not only for the candidates but also for the community to hear each candidate’s policies.

“It gives the community an opportunity to come out and hear and listen and look at the differences of what could make your election. The person going to represent you and what you would like to have,” said Francine Scott, Current Super District 9 Commissioner.

This forum differed from many others, with many groups putting it together.

“Something just about this Forum it was 13 organizations working together. That was a first, and I think to in the past it has been one group has it, and you have four, five people there with candidates, but today you had multiple people here,” said Matt Aitken, Candidate running for District 1 Commissioner. “So, I think it gets the word out better. It gets, you know, conversation going on. It permeates throughout the community.”

Organizers hope they can help the community get information so they are confident enough to vote.

“You know there’s no substitute for good information, and the best information comes from the horse’s mouth, so to speak,” said Janice Allen Jackson, a Member of the Augusta Alumni chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority incorporated and helped run the Forum. “Our organizations don’t endorse any candidates, which is also something that I think is unique. We let them know upfront that we are not making any endorsements. We want to provide information so that you are better prepared to vote, and we certainly hope that that is the case.”

There is another Forum for different offices on April 27th. Early Voting starts April 29th, and the actual election day is May 21st.

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