Three people want the Houston County Board of Education seat that's up for grabs in the July 31st primary.
Current District 7 board member, Toby Hill, is not seeking reelection.
The three candidates for the post say they all bring different levels of experience and qualifications to the table.
Griff Clements, age 65, is a surveyor for the City of Warner Robins. He held a board seat for two terms, but chose not to run in the last election.
David "Dave" McMahan is 52 and retired from the Houston County Board of Education as the Director of Facilities. This is his first run for political office.
Andy Rodriguez is 58 and retired after 32 years in the Air Force, specializing in communications. This is also his first time seeking an office.
We asked each of the candidates to define the number one issue facing the Houston County Board of Education.
Clements said, "Spending. Some of the decisions as to where they put things. I would like to see some of the old historical buildings preserved. Kind of like we did on Watson Boulevard, where Macon State College is now. That was rehabbed and is part of the college now."
McMahan responded, "Teachers just say there's so much paperwork now, electronic or on paper, it's still so time consuming. I'd like to ask some questions, why? Why is there so much paperwork, and wouldn't it be novel if we let the teachers teach?"
Rodriguez answered, "Taxpayers and the community at-large need to understand that they own the school system. Take ownership of the school system. Take local control of the school system. That's my number one priority to ensure we have as much as possible, local control. We know what works for Houston County."
Each candidate explained why they believe voters should choose them for the seat.
Rodriguez said, "When people talk to me about the issues, I know what they are. I look at the website. I do the research, and when were shifting from one policy to another, I'm ahead of that game."
McMahan responded, "I have seen how it operates, seen how budgets work. I know the issues and again, I've seen it from all different perspectives."
Clements answered, "I believe in fiscal responsibility. I know where the money comes from. Construction wise, I know how that works."
Voters have the chance to choose their candidate on the July 31st ballot.
The District 7 at-large seat is the only contested election for the Houston County Board of Education.
Early voting is going on now.
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