Matthews, Williams Meet in Oconee for Political Debate

With a runoff election for House District 113 coming up July 19, the two remaining candidates met on stage for a political debate Thursday night at the Oconee Civic Center Theatre.

Democrat and Republican took the stage to answer questions and discuss topics brought up by residents of the district.

Here are a few of the things they discussed at the debate (responses have been paraphrased):

Q: Chuck Williams, explain the failure of the North Georgia Bank under your watch.

Chuck Williams: Community banks tend to mirror their local economies. When the US economy seized up, the demand for housing dried up overnight. Yes, our bank willingly made loans to builders and I take full responsibility for the failure of the bank. Georgia has lost about 20% of our banks since the economic recession hit in 2008. There have been no allegations of wrongdoing on my part. So was it a tough life lesson, yes. Did I learn things from it, sure. I will take those lessons to Atlanta.

Dan Matthews: Have you apologized to the shareholders who lost money in the failure of the bank? There have been a series of blunders and errors that make people question your leadership ability and I don’t think you should be rewarded with the responsibility of going to Atlanta to represent the district.

Q: Would you be in favor of any plan to split Oconee as a district?

Matthews: I would not be in favor to split Oconee, I want to keep it as whole as possible. I do think we need to reflect more what the reality of the political views of the people are, and not a hodge podge chop-up of districts.

Williams: Oconee has been fortunate to be represented by one rep. I have been pleased with that. Certainly I would favor keeping Oconee whole, but with recent census numbers, it might not be possible.

Q: Would you lead the way for the acquisition of federal funds to upgrade Highway 316?

Matthews: I would. I think that federal dollars might be looked at more favorably if a Democrat was in this district. 316 is a deathtrap and needs to be redesigned. I am dead set against tolls. I will not have tolls on 316. 

Williams: I’m willing to look at anything to upgrade 316. We continue to see horrible accidents and congestion there. I would be open to considering tolls as a solution.

Q: Do you support TSPLOST?

Matthews: Yes.

Williams:  I want to see what the cost benefit is for this district before I decide. 

Q: A recent Mexican methamphetamine ring was busted in Northeast Georgia. Does that change your view of House Bill 87 (immigration bill)?

Matthews: There are non-Mexican drug dealers too. Should we round them up and send them to Mexico too? It has nothing to do with House Bill 87. We’ve got fruits and vegetables rotting in the fields of Georgia.

Williams: I’m not sure that the drug bust gets to the bottom of House Bill 87.  We all want fresh fruits and vegetables, but we bemoan the fact that illegal immigrants are putting a big burden on our healthcare and economy. 

Q: Name one thing you would do that would have a positive impact on District 113.

Matthews: Elder Mill Covered Bridge state park!

Williams: I would work to help the economic developments that are already going on to possibly foster job creation.

Q: What are your suggestions to help stimulate the local economy?

Matthews: We have to do something to bring jobs back and make better jobs in the area that will keep people here.

Williams: Jobs, jobs, jobs. I would do everything I want to see what 'roadblocks' are keeping jobs from being created.

Be sure to check out the attached videos for the candidates' closing statements.