County Council candidates speak in Seneca

Practically all seats were taken in a Gignilliat Community Center meeting room last night for a candidates’ forum arranged by the Oconee Republican Party. The participants were the three men and one woman bidding for seats this year on County Council—along with Probate Judge Kenny Johns who seeks a second term with no ballot opposition. At the start, GOP Chairman Bob Skipp reminded the crowd that the event was a forum, not a debate. The forum proceeded orderly with the audience, at times, giving light applause to a particular candidate for a set of particular comments. One audience member, in light of last week’s Supreme Court ruling, wanted to know if the county council candidates, if they were in office, would be willing to make a motion to return religious prayer to the start of council meetings. Three of the four said they would be so willing or at least indicated their support for prayer. Only District One incumbent Paul Corbeil said he would not. The forum delved into other issues as well—such as the 1-cent sales tax referendum, zoning, and economic development. And 96.3/WGOG NEWS throughout the day is presenting excerpts of the candidates’ remarks.