Bailes to the sideline, Rukat to qualify

In the midst of the nation’s two weeks of political conventions, there are political developments at the local level.  After two terms, Walhalla’s Rosemary Bailes is headed to the sidelines and will not offer for a third term on the Oconee School Board. This is the eve for the start of candidate qualifying in Oconee for three seats on the county board of trustees.  School Board sets 2,4, and 5 are to be filled during the November General Election.  Unlike the country’s Presidential race, the school board seats are non-partisan.  At 8 o’clock tomorrow morning, recently retired district I-T director Joe Rukat will qualify for Bailes’s District Two seat and has her support.