On Thursday, May 10th at 6pm, Blackbelt Citizens fighting for Health and Justice hosted a political forum for the June 5th primary candidates. The forum began on time with Portia Shepherd facilitating. Blackbelt citizens officers were introduced, Esther Calhoun, President, was absent, but Ben Eaton, vice President, and Sally Mcghee, Treasure was there, along with coordinators, Adam Johnston and Salaam Green.
There were short announcements including, the Women gathering on May 14th from 5pm-7pm at Quinn Chapel. Shortly after the announcements the forum started. The first race was for Perry County Circuit Clerk, the following candidates(in alphabetical order) were Present Quavelyn Coleman, Chad Moore, and Mia Jacobs-Turner. Jamaal Hunter was absent.
The Candidates were asked to give opening statements, followed by why they were running. Candidates gave their statements after which the question and answer session began. One of the hottest topics during this portion of the forum was on voter fraud, all candidates agreed that this was a serious problem in Perry County and also stated how they will make this issue a priority if elected. John Jones, Uniontown resident, was very adamant about making this issue a priority in Perry County and asked about a clear plan to ensure that this issue will be addressed. Mr. Jones also admitted, that Chad Moore was the only candidate who had a plan for this issue in the responses. The update of technology was also an interesting topic, both Mia and Quavelyn spoke on their experiences in court and noted that any changes as it relates to technology upgrade had to go through AOC(Alabama Administrative Office of Courts) and the process to make said changes available online to the public. Towards the end of the Circuit Clerk forum each candidate was asked to give a closing statement.
The Sheriff and County Commissioner (district 5) race was a one on one question and answer session. Sheriff Billy Jones and Candidate Ben Eaton was present, Franklin Edwards was absent and Ron Miller was late arriving. In this session, both candidates followed the same opening agenda followed by questions pertaining to their seat. Sheriff Jones,(orange shirt) addressed the jail expansion including PREA(prison rape elimination act) training through the Department of Corrections and how that will allow more money into the county to improve the department. Jones also spoke about the need for more deputies operating the county, with only seven(7) deputies on staff the need to increase salaries and staff members is important. The sheriff was hit with questions from audience members including, shift rotation, direct services and budget needs.
Mr. Eaton, (black shirt) who's a candidate for county commissioner, talked about his reasoning for running, the environmental needs for the community, and the numerous issues within district 5. Mr. Eaton was asked about infrastructure, he stated "unless the sewage issues are address, no big industry will think of coming to this area. we have to address major issues within our district in order to improve the quality of life." The session ended with closing statements.
The last candidate session of the evening, was County Commission race District 4. Only two candidates for that seat was present, Fairest Cureton and Cedric Hudson, Lee Minor was absent. The opening agenda was met, followed by direct questions to the candidates. Both candidates hail praises from their terms in office and discuss various issues including the ambulance service, roads, the landfill and industrial board. Cureton was hit with questions about the Parnell community and was asked about decisions from his time in office. Hudson was asked about recent decisions and the break down of how the ambulance service will be paid. The audience asked questions followed by closing statements from the candidates.
The forum ended, but not before taking advantage of a rare moment of three county commissioners being in the same room, after letting audience members who wanted to leave out, a brief question and answer session between the three african-american commissioners began. The questions asked, were about the friction between the commissioners, EPA vote, county road 12 project, and various issues surrounding the commission. Commissioner Miller stated, that " he will never put county road 12 before county road 65 which is in his district, however, county road 12 will be done."
The comments were followed by rebuttals and an agreement that this conversation needed to happen again. The Commissioners talk was met with some strange looks and comments, but several on lookers stated, the conversation needed to continue.
All citizens need to know that the primary is June 5th, and their vote is important, GO TO THE POLLS!