The Jones County Candidates Forum will take place next Tuesday with all eight local candidates running for office in the May 21 primary confirmed to attend.
The community will have the opportunity to speak with and ask questions of the candidates at the event that will begin at 6:30 p.m. with an informal meet and greet that will last until the forum starts at 7.
The forum will be held at Butler Hall on Ross Street, located next to the Jones County Courthouse. The event is sponsored by the Jones County/ Gray Chamber of Commerce, Jones County Republican Party and The Jones County News. The public is invited to bring their written questions, and writing materials will be furnished at the forum for submission of questions. The forum will be moderated by William Mathews, who will ask the questions of the candidates.
The May 21 election will determine who will represent Jones County Commission Districts 2 and 3, who will serve as Jones County’s coroner and the representative for Board of Education District 2.
Jones County District 2 Commissioner John Wood is being challenged by Micah Harley, and District 3 Commissioner Wendy Vaughn is being challenged by Dan Howard. All four of the commission candidates registered to run as Republicans.
Jones County Coroner Matt Jarratt is challenged by Steve Johnson, and both candidates also registered as Republicans. With no Democratic opposition in the November General Election, the primary election will determine the winners for all three elected positions.
Rice Adams and Brady Skinner are running to represent District 2 on the Board of Education. There is not an incumbent in that race due to the decision of Alfred Pitts not to run for re-election.
The position is non-partisan, which means the May 21 election will determine who will represent the district for four years. That term will begin Jan. 1, 2025.
Board of Commissioners Chairman Chris Weidner and District 1 Commissioner Sam Kitchens are not facing opposition in May nor November.
District 4 Commissioner Daylon Martin, Democrat, is not facing opposition in the May 21 primary but is challenged in the Nov. 5 General Election by Republican Candidate Alton West. Martin and West will be featured at a date closer to the November election.
Advanced or Early voting for the May 21 Primary will take place April 29 through May 17 at the Jones County Elections Office, located in the Government Center, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information about the April 23 Candidates Forum, call the Chamber Office, 478-986-1123 or The Jones County News, 478-986-3929.
Election questions should be directed to the Elections Office 478-986-3222.
