VALDOSTA – Two candidates running for separate city council seats shared their visions for the City of Hahira’s future with residents during a forum event.

The forum was held on Thursday, Oct. 12, in conjunction with The Valdosta Daily Times and the City of Hahira at the Train Depot, 220 W. Main St. in Hahira. The forum began with the participating candidates Kenneth Davis, the incumbent for council post District 2, and Terry C. Benjamin for the council post at District 3.

Qualified candidates Klay Luke, who is running in opposition to Davis, and David Lindsey, who is opposing Benjamin, were invited but did not attend the event.

Luke shared a press release on behalf of himself and Lindsey that raised concerns about notification and transparency and the legitimacy of the sponsoring body.

“We were informed about this debate at the last minute, lacking details about rules, schedules and planning which hinders our preparation and possibly compromises fairness for all candidates,” the Facebook statement said Thursday evening. “There are concerns it might violate the Hahira City Charter. We want to ensure that any electoral process event is consistent with our city’s charter and regulations.”

Associate Professor and Interim Program Coordinator for Public Administration and Organizational Leadership Dr. Keith Lee Jr. of Valdosta State University served as the event’s moderator. Each candidate had about five minutes to introduce themselves to the audience members before Lee began the discussion with, “How do you plan to foster collaboration among council members to ensure effective governance and decision-making?”

Davis said collaboration is akin to teamwork, which is a practice he has tried to implement prior to entering as a council member in 2013.

“If you can’t work inside of a team setting, regardless of disagreements, that is something that is absolutely necessary for any elected official. I think so far in the last ten years we’ve done really well. That doesn’t mean that there is not any discourse,” Davis said. “In order to continue to foster that success through collaboration and teamwork, communication is the biggest part. That means to be open and receptive in meetings and outside of meetings and within the community.”

Benjamin followed: “You don’t always agree. You’re never going to always agree but taking that other council members’ perspective in mind and seeing it from their standpoint that is what makes a good city government. That’s what makes a good decision.”

Lee continued with the second question, “What measures would you take to enhance transparency and communication between the city council and the residents it serves?”

Benjamin suggested the city begin hosting town hall meetings and improving personal relationships with residents within their respective districts.

Davis agreed and briefly spoke about the city’s mobile app where residents can inquire or submit grievances to the city leaders.

Comments were made on technology enhancements to improve city services and engagement with residents and later to address environmental sustainability and resilience in the city’s development plans.

Lee posed questions about promoting inclusivity and ensuring that the diverse voices within the community are heard and considered.

Benjamin called for residents to participate in the Citizens Wishing to be Heard portion of city council meetings.

“When you don’t hear from your citizens or when your citizens are not able to speak you’re not representing everyone as a whole. Everybody has an opinion that should be represented and should be able to be brought to the local government,” Benjamin said.

Davis responded by saying he goes out into the community personally to physically talk to residents who cannot make it to the meetings or stay informed through social media.

Lee asked, “How would you balance the interests of different groups within the city to ensure equitable development and resource distribution?”

The candidates said discussing with department heads and undergoing the necessary planning or budgeting processes are key components to balancing projects. Benjamin even mentioned becoming active in seeking grants that will help provide funding.

The forum ended with discussions about addressing environmental sustainability, resilience in the city’s development plans and handling unforeseen challenges or crises that may impact the city during the candidates’ potential tenure.

Early voting for the election began Monday, Oct. 16, and continues through Nov. 3 at the Board of Elections office, 2808 N. Oak St. Election Day will be Nov. 7.