Crowd Packs Watkinsville Community Center to Hear Candidates Speak

Many had to stand at the Thursday night, as about 150 people gathered to hear candidates speak during a political forum hosted by the Oconee County Republican Party and the Oconee Regional Republican Women. 

Did you go? What questions would you like to ask of the candidates? Tell us in the comments below.

Attendees heard debates between , , , and County Commission Post 4 hopefuls Tammy Gilland and Mark Saxon. Common issues discussed were the proposed , non-partisan elections, transparency in government and Oconee's volunteer fire department.

Some in attendence said the debates helped them gain information about candidate positions they didn't previously have.

Oconee resident Nancy Aquino said though the forum was informative, none of the candidates stood out to her in particular. 

"I came out for more information because I'm undecided," she said. "I've heard positions from all of the candidates that I hadn't heard before tonight."

Flynn Warren also said that no candidates distinguished themselves. He said he was disappointed that some candidates disapproved of the TSPLOST.

 "I thought some of the candidates helped themselves tonight and some of the candidates hurt themselves, but I won't name names," he said. "I was disappointed there wasn't universal support for TSPLOST. It's not just what it's going to do for projects inside the county. It's what it's going to do for projects outside the county that will in turn help Oconee."

Correction: Trey Downs is now a Sergeant with the Snellville Police Department.  The article has been changed.

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