By the Times-Enterprise Editorial Board



With all the costly decisions being made in Washington these days, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that our local municipalities have a lot of revenue at their disposal, too. And just like the federal government, city councils and boards of education have power to reach deeper into your pocketbook whenever they see fit.

That is why it is important to participate in Tuesday’s elections. The times require that successful candidates keep the interests of struggling taxpayers foremost in their minds.

The following is a list of the candidates we endorse:

n THOMASVILLE CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT 1

We like Lewis Brunner’s experience as an educator and his call for more parental involvement in the education process. A call for the effective use of taxpayer dollars is a major plus for his candidacy.

n THOMASVILLE CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT 2

Incumbents Darrell Allen and John Everett have earned additional terms. The system’s enrollment is growing and each school in it met AYP standards this year. In addition, the system has largely avoided the financial woes that have plagued others nearby.

n THOMASVILLE CITY COUNCIL

Incumbent Earl Williams Jr. has served his constituents well for 28 years. His contributions to a well-run government should not be overlooked.

n BARWICK MAYOR

This race has three candidates with various ideas they think would make the town better, but none expressed sound ideas for cracking down on a city government that obviously needs a close look at the creation of revenue other than grants. For continuity’s sake, we’ll go with incumbent Ned Simmons, who we hope will address Barwick’s core problems rather than dwell on grants and pie-in-the-sky ideas.

n BARWICK CITY COUNCIL

Candidate Tammy Cone expressed strong ideas about making Barwick a better town. She owns businesses there and wants to bring in revenue and rid Barwick finances of red ink. While opponent Greg Parker is a commendable candidate, Cone has the hands-on business expertise sorely needed in city government. Cone is our pick for the city council seat she seeks.

Stephen Hobbs, Barwick City Council candidate, wisely envisions Barwick as a bedroom community to Thomasville. His foresight includes a library and sewer system. Hobbs was eager to express his ideas as a candidate, while opponent I.J. McCann did not respond to requests for an interview. We think Hobbs would make an excellent addition to Barwick City Council.

n BOSTON MAYOR

Boston has seen a lot of progress with Mayor Danny Groover at the helm, but opponent Ron Collins’ call for open government cannot be overlooked. While Groover is sincere about wanting Boston to continue to thrive, Collins’ concerns for the overall citizenry and property taxes are equally sincere. Our scales tip in Collins’ favor.

n BOSTON CITY COUNCIL

Boston is fortunate to have two great candidates like Beverly K. Collins and Mike Edwards qualify for a city council seat. Both have sensible ideas about how to make Boston better. While either would make an excellent council member, we think Collins’ business and financial experience would bring a much-needed boost to city government.

Joe Harris’ genuine concerns about Boston’s senior citizens and other aspects of the town make him an attractive choice for a Boston City Council seat. Edwards Jones, who is seeking the same council seat, did not respond to a request for a Times-Enterprise interview. Harris’ willingness to tell us about his ideas reveals a serious desire to serve his city.

n COOLIDGE MAYOR

Incumbent Diane H. Causey has a proven record of success. Coolidge has received close to $3 million in grants during her nine-year tenure. The town has replaced a badly dilapidated city hall/police station under her leadership. Causey is a full-time mayor in a small town that needs continuity in leadership and a willingness to serve all citizens. She is our mayoral choice.

n COOLIDGE CITY COUNCIL

Incumbent John Blaha and Janice Moore get the nod from us for their willingness to share their views and visions with Times-Enterprise readers. Their opponents did not take advantage of that opportunity.

n MEIGS MAYOR

Andrew Wurst is the obvious — and only — choice for Meigs mayor. He is the only mayoral candidate fully capable of tackling and solving the town’s many problems. Wurst has been doing his homework on Meigs for several years. The time has come to put the lessons to work at city hall, and it can’t happen soon enough.

n OCHLOCKNEE CITY COUNCIL

We support newcomers Roscoe Daphney and L.D. Johnson. They have the time and willingness to devote to the job.

Incumbents Joseph Lewis and Raiford Long also have our backing.

n PAVO CITY COUNCIL

Incumbents LaTonia Bryant and Bob Miller have helped their community complete several projects that have enhanced their city. They get our nod along with newcomer Valda Hagan, who is enthusiastic about a chance to serve.