District 5 county commission candidate George Arnold addresses voters during a political forum on Tuesday, October 22 at Habersham EMC. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
Voters got a chance to hear from the Habersham County Commission District 5 candidates on a variety of issues during a political forum Tuesday night. The candidates – George Arnold, Michael Gosnell, Darrin Johnston, Tim Stamey, and Barry Trotter – fielded questions on taxes and infrastructure, among other things. They also talked about their credentials and why they want the job.
All five candidates are Republicans. They’re vying to fill the unexpired term of former commissioner Ed Nichols who resigned in August.
After the candidates spoke, Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell showed a video and talked about the need for a new county jail.
When voters go to the polls on November 5 to decide the commission race and other municipal elections, they’ll also decide whether to approve a $31.7 million bond referendum to pay for a new jail.
Sheriff, county commissioners make pitch for new jail
The political forum was sponsored by the Habersham County Farm Bureau and Habersham County Chamber of Commerce. WCON morning personality Joel Williams served as moderator.
Now Habersham livestreamed the video. You may view the recording in its entirety below or on our Facebook page.
The first hour of video focuses on the commission race. The candidates are seated, left to right, George Locke Arnold, Michael Gosnell, Darrin Johnston, Tim Stamey, and Barry Trotter. Sheriff Terrell’s presentation on the jail referendum rounds out the last 30 minutes of this video.
