6 months ago
Central Georgians had a chance to talk important issues with some of Georgia's candidates for Governor. Fort Valley State University held a "Meet the Candidates" forum Saturday afternoon.
People were invited to hear candidate's views on issues and ask them questions.
Among the candidates talking back were State Attorney General Thurbert Baker, former Governor Roy Barnes, Ray City Mayor Carl Camon, State Representative Dubose Porter, and retired Lieutenant General David Poythress.
Several dozen people showed up with political issues in mind, and hopes of what they would hear from their politicians.
"I want to hear that they will not take any more money out of education, but put some back," said Xaviour Tucker, from Fort Valley.
Education was a topic to which many of the candidates responded.
"We've taken 2 billion dollars out of our education over the last 6 years," said Attorney General Baker, a Democrat. "That is unacceptable."
"If we can fix education in Georgia, then all these other problems that were facing will be closer to fixing as well," said candidate Carl Camon.
The candidates touched on several issues during the forum at the Pettigrew Center, but of all of them, there were three that came up time and time again.
"Always remember it by this acronym -- WET," said former Governor Roy Barnes, a Democrat. "Water, education, and transportation. I think they're the three top issues in this state."
But along with those three, there was one which was unavoidable.
"Economy and jobs," said candidate David Poythress, a retired Lieutenant General. "And turning that around and putting Georgians back to work in 21st Century jobs."
While some said they have not decided yet on a particular candidate, hearing their takes on healthcare, education, and the economy did not sit lightly with those in the audience.
"I'm a jobless, insurance-less citizen of Fort Valley," said Chanelle McGhee, of Fort Valley. "So, these are very important issues."
Several candidates for State School Superintendent and Attorney General were also at the forum.
State Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine and Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel, both Republican candidates for Governor, were invited but did not attend the forum.
