Oconee County citizens learned a little about the experience and goals of the women vying for the office of Tax Commissioner during a political forum at North Oconee High School on June 14.

Jennifer Riddle and Pamela Hendrix, both Republicans, are running to replace Harriette Browning, who announced plans to retire at the conclusion of her eighth term.

Riddle, who was required to take leave of absence from her position as deputy tax commissioner during the campaign, spoke briefly to her 19 years of experience, and specifically about her time with the Tax Commissioner's Office.

"Back in May, we attended a tax commissioner conference of which I was provost," she said. "That’s part of ongoing training that I make an effort to do every year in addition to other things that I have done to further my knowledge as deputy tax commissioner."

Absent due to a vacation scheduled before the forum was announced, Pamela Hendrix, who vied unsuccessfully for Western Circuit Superior Court Judge David Sweat's seat in 2010, had submitted a written statement in advance to moderator Tim Bryant.  In the statement, she said she'd bring 20 years of legal experience to the Office. She is currently a member of the Oconee County Board of Tax Equalization, which hears property tax appeals.

"The position of Oconee County Tax Commissioner is an important one," the statement read. "The Tax Commissioner is charged with collecting almost 30 percent of the county’s revenues each year, yet every dollar collected takes one of your hard earned dollars and that must be done with extreme care and caution and friendly and efficient customer service."

The two candidates have been invited to a forum that will be hosted by the Oconee County Republican Party on Thursday, July 19.  It will take place in the Watkinsville Community Center beginning at 7 p.m., and the Tax Commissioner candidates are slated to speak and answer question from 8-8:30 p.m.

Contact the candidates:

Jennifer Riddle: RiddleforOconee@hotmail.com or Riddle for Oconee

Pamela Hendrix: pamelalohrhendrix@yahoo.com or (706) 474-0637