VALDOSTA —
The general election is right around the corner, and in two weeks, the decision will be made on who will lead this country for the next four years. The candidates for president have faced off now in two debates, with a third and final debate scheduled for Monday, Oct. 22, focusing on foreign policy.
The local elections will also decide a number of key positions in Lowndes County for the next four years, including who will be the new county commission chairman with current chairman Ashley Paulk’s decision not to seek re-election.
Although early voting began on Monday of this week, those who are still undecided who to cast their ballot for will have three opportunities to hear the local candidates discuss issues, their reasons for running and qualifications, and be questioned by moderators. All three events are open to the public and there may be opportunities for questions from audience members as well.
It’s easy to get excited about a television debate between the presidential contenders, but the local candidates will have as much if not more impact on this community and its citizens as the national candidates. If you are undecided, or simply want to get to know more about the individuals running for local office, these three opportunities, beginning tonight, will give you that chance.
Thursday, Oct. 18
7 p.m.
Rainwater Conference Center, Norman Drive
Sponsored by: NewsTalk 105.9 and the Home Builders Association of South Georgia.
Monday, Oct. 22
7 p.m.
Serenity Church, 1619 N. Lee St.
Sponsored by: The 30 Club of Valdosta
Wednesday, Oct. 24
7 p.m.
Valdosta High School Performing Arts Center,
N. Forrest St.
Sponsored by: The American Association of University Women
What We Think
Forums shed light on candidates
- What We Think
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THUMBS UP: To Dr. John Gaston, retiring dean of Valdosta State University’s College of the Arts. For the past 10-plus years, Gaston has worked to build a more interconnected program with various artistic and communications departments working together. Given that you are likely to see one College of the Arts department collaborating with another during events is proof of Gaston’s success.
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On the go this weekend
Take a breath.
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Sharing the roads with motorcycles
With the recent pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, the number of motorcycles on area roads has increased.
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Thank your local law enforcement today
Today, May 15, was designated Peace Officers Memorial Day back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy was in office.
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Visit musical roots this weekend
Beginning Saturday, May 18, Nashville, Ga., will be hosting a special Smithsonian exhibit, “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.” The exhibit will continue through the end of June and Nashville has done a tremendous job in promoting and planning for the exhibit.
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Happy Mother’s Day!
A few years ago, a television commercial asked, Who first believed in you? Many folks may have instinctively answered by simply saying, Mom.
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THUMBS UP: To mail workers, volunteers and food bank staff for gathering food for the annual Stamp Out Hunger postal food drive today. A plastic bag designated for canned goods and other non-perishable food items should have arrived in your mailbox earlier this week. If you haven’t already, take a few moments to fill the bag with food and hang from your mailbox. If you didn’t receive the special Stamp Out Hunger bag, any plastic bag filled with food will do. This food drive helps feed thousands of South Georgians annually. Valdosta-Lowndes County often donates more food than nearly all other cities and counties in Georgia.
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Celebrating nurses
She is considered the founder of modern nursing so it seems only natural that National Nurses Week would include Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
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Helping the hungry: Mail it in!
Valdosta-Lowndes County continues revealing its generous spirit.
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New school scoring system
The first year of any new program is always a tough one.
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