LUMPKIN, GA. – The two candidates running for the County Commissioner District 1 seat participated in a forum on October 14 hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.

Mitchell Ridley and Tucker Greene the two candidates for the seat met on Thursday, October 14 for a forum that was an opportunity for the community to hear their positions on the issues. The event was moderated by Chuck Jones Chairman of the Government Affairs Committee for the Dahlonega Chamber of Commerce.

Chuck Jones explaining the forum to the candidates.

The forum was held in the same manner as the city forum on October 12. Each candidate had a two-minute opening, and two minutes each to answer the 11 questions presented to them, and they were able to close out with a two-minute closing statement.

There were some similar questions to the city forum such as the question of combing the City and County government, what their visions for the future looked like, the question over short-term rentals, their experience, and who they viewed are the partners in the community.

Another example of the types of questions that the candidates had to answered dealt with current issues the Commissioners are dealing with at present. These questions were about the noise ordinance that was tabled due to the vacancy of seat 1 and was brought back to the attention at the previous work session, the issue about land use, and the example of this one was the gun range that the Commissioners just voted down.

“Again I’m a small government guy but within that small government we have to protect the citizens of Lumpkin County, in regards to the gun range I believe if things had been done properly if things had been approached how they should have then maybe there could have been some concessions made in that particular case the business owner did not approach the business properly with not requesting a business license. I do believe there is an opportunity, and the time is now for us to begin to look at some of those zoning potentials on how to create some safe spaces for those moving in and those wanting to develop,” explained Greene.

Tucker Greene and Mitchell Ridley during their forum.

They were also asked about the recycling issue that is due to be voted on at the next meeting on October 19, COVID restrictions, what they would do differently than previous commissioners, and what they believe needs to change in on the board, and the growth around the new hospital.

“Exactly what we’ve been talking about tonight quality of life. If you don’t have the quality of life and you don’t have the peace and quiet of your own sanctuary at home then you don’t have much. So we need to look at the quality of life and protect it for the people who’s been here all their life and protect it for the people who’s just moved here because everyone is seeking something that came to this town and we’ve been blessed to have a wonderful town and I would like to cut some of the wasteful spendings and I see some of those areas that can be cut,” answered Ridley

Ridley had the first opening statement and first chance at the first question. They took turns on who answered first after that. Greene had the first closing statement with Ridley ending the night. To view the full forum please visit http://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/310440?autoplay=0

Reminder that early voting has begun and will continue from October 18-22 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., October 23 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., and October 25-29 8:00 a.m -5:00 p.m. You can go to 56 Short Street, Dahlonega Ga, 30533. For more voting information visit https://www.lumpkincounty.gov/412/Where-Do-I-Vote