Local Elections Heat Up When Last Day Filers Furman, Dunn and Wells Enter Races

Local Elections Heat Up When Last Day Filers Fuhrman, Dunn and Wells Enter Races

5/2/08 (11:51 a.m.) The local elections, which already promised to be interesting to say the least, heated up a notch or two today. First, Robert (Bob) Fuhrman (pictured at right) came into Fayette County Republican headquarters to qualify to run against Post 2 Commissioner Herb Frady. While he was signing up, former County Commission Chairman Greg Dunn (pictured below with 3rd District Republican Chair, Lane Watts) came in to sign up to run against incumbent Post 1 Commissioner Robert Horgan.

However, when former Commissioners Linda Wells (pictured at left) and Rick Price both came in to sign up to run against Tax Commissioner George Wingo, things really got interesting. Both had decided to run independently. However, when Price became aware that Wells had decided to run he opted to throw his support her way.

Incumbent Post 3 Commissioner Peter Pfeifer has already drawn two opponents. Former Peachtree City Councilman Stuart Kourajian and former county employee Lee Hearn are hoping to unseat Pfeifer.

Republican incumbent Senator Ronnie Chance has drawn Democratic opposition from Jerry Brilliant, a Tyrone resident. Connie Biemiller, Democrat, has been actively campaigning against Democratic incumbent State Representative Virgil Fludd for months and Democrat Stephanie Campbell filed to run against Democratic State Representative Valencia Seay, District 34. Representative John Yates has also drawn an opponent. Fayette County resident Jim Williams filed as a Republican to try and unseat the 86-year-old incumbent. District 74 Democrat Roberta Abdul-Salaam has also qualified, however she does not have opposition.

Four filed to run for Sheriff. Sheriff Randall Johnson is retiring after close to 30 years in office. Barry Babb, Wayne Hannah, Thomas Mindar, and Dave Simmons will by vying for the seat. Simmons is the only candidate who does not work in the Sheriff’s Department. Simmons has a long history in law enforcement and security.

Rudjard Hayes is hoping to unseat the incumbent District Attorney, Scott Ballard. This race also looks to be one to watch.

Another interesting race that probably will get lost in the midst of the other contested races is the Probate Court Judge election. Three people have tossed their hats in the ring hoping to take over the reins from the retiring Judge Martha Stephenson. Ann Jackson (pictured at left), Steve Kiser and Jim Whitlock have been actively campaigning since Stephenson first announced she would retire last year.

If the Commission, Senate, Probate Court, Sherriff and District Attorney elections don’t grab your interest, perhaps the School Board elections will. Three seats are up for re-election and all three have drawn opponents. Janet Smola will face David Houston, Mary Kay Baccallao will try to oust Chair Terri Smith, and Marion Keys has two opponents, Carol Jensen-Linton and Mark Aasen.

Recently elected State Representative Matt Ramsey did not draw any opposition. State Court Solicitor Jamie Inagawa, Clerk of Court Sheila Studdard, Coroner C. J. Mowell and District 77 Representative Darryl Jordan (D) are all breathing a sigh of relief that they will not have to contend with any opponents.

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