By Elliott Brack, editor and publisher | When elections roll around, GwinnettForum seeks to make sense out of all the campaigning, by giving readers our recommendations in the primaries.
This task is one we do not take lightly. After talking to this year’s candidates, we feel that our choice will make the best nominee in the May 24 primary.
Note that we endorse in the Democratic and Republican primaries, and in non-partisan races. However, we will not endorse in any races where we have not spoken personally to the candidate. We have invited all candidates to sit down with us for 30 minutes. If the candidate chooses not talk with us, we will not endorse them. We see no reason to endorse in races where the candidate has no primary opposition.
We swap the candidate spending time with us by providing each of those candidates space in GwinnettForum to state their views on six questions we pose to all of them. The answers to those questions will continue to be published on our website until the primary. Recognize that answers to these questions come directly from the candidate in their own words, with no editing on our part.
Now here are our recommendations in the upcoming primaries:
U.S. Senate:
Isakson
Coyne
Democrats: We recommend the candidacy of John F. Coyne III, the only Democrat to sit down with us. A small businessman, Mr. Coyne, 66, of Milton, hopes to change the way the government in Washington does business. We wish him well in this campaign, and endorse his candidacy.
Republicans: We suggest that the best Republican in this campaign is the incumbent, Johnny Isakson, 71, of Marietta. His service in Washington has been one of which most Georgians can be proud. His seniority will serve Georgia well in the next Congress, and we endorse his nomination.
Georgia Public Service Commission:
Echols
Republicans: Three Republicans seek this position for a six year term in office, with no Democratic opposition. This means that the winner will become a shoo-in as the next commissioner. An incumbent, Tim Echols, 55, of Athens, is being opposed by Kellie Austin, 38, of Lawrenceville, and Michelle Miller, 41, of Warner Robins. All three are admirable candidates. However, we feel that in his first term as a Commissioner, Tim Echols has shown great ability and provided ideas benefiting the commission. We endorse the Echols’ candidacy.
Millar
State Senate, District 40
Republicans: Once again we endorse the candidacy of Fran Millar, 66, of Dunwoody, a solid veteran Legislator. We particularly look forward to his continued work on transportation and Medicaid expansion.
House of Representatives, District 81
Duffie
Republicans: There are three Republicans running in this race. The winner will face Scott Holcomb, who has no Democratic opposition, in November. A candidate who ran before, Jim Duffie, 75, of Chamblee, is our choice in this district, which includes portions of two counties. Mr. Duffie, a retired real estate mortgage broker, wants to assure that Government will be accountable to the people. He has good ideas and would make a fine state representative.
House of Representatives, District 95
Hilton
Republicans: Two Peachtree Corners residents vie for this open seat, previously held by Tom Rice. The district covers all of Peachtree Corners and Norcross from the rail tracks westward. Our choice is Scott Hilton, 36, a commercial banker, making his first bid for office. His outlook on issues and his ties to the community tell us he will make a good servant of the people, and we endorse his candidacy. No Democrats are running for this post.
House of Representatives, District 97
Coleman
Republicans: An incumbent and a newcomer to politics seek this post. While we appreciate the candidacy of John Marsh, 52, an owner of an eye care practice, our choice is the current representative, Brooks Coleman, 76, of Duluth, a retired school administrator and auctioneer. Mr. Coleman is currently chairman of the House Education Committee, is in a good position to ensure improving schools for all Georgians, and we endorse him.
House of Representatives, District 99
Lopez
Democrats: Two Democrats are opponents for this seat, with no Republicans offering. Therefore, the winner of the May primary will gain office. Our choice for this position is attorney Brenda Lopez, 33, a resident of Norcross. Her campaign has worked tirelessly, knocking on 9,000 doors, as she seeks to make her name known. With Gwinnett becoming more and more diverse, it’s good to see a young Hispanic seek office. We endorse Brenda Lopez for this office.
House of Representatives, District 105
McLeod
Chandler
Republicans: Joyce Chandler has held this office for two terms, and seeks re-election. She has one Republican and two Democrats opponents, so this election won’t be decided until November. Mrs. Chandler, 73, of Lawrenceville, is a former school teacher and counselor. We endorse her candidacy in this primary.
Democrats: A long-time political activist in Gwinnett, Donna McLeod, 48, of Lawrenceville, is making her first bid for political office. She is a medical device consultant. A native of Jamaica, she grew up in Canada, now is an American citizen, and has been living in the district for 16 years. She makes a fine candidate, and we endorse her nomination.
House of Representatives, District 106
Republicans: Two persons seek this office. We make no endorsement, since neither visited with us.
House of Representatives, District 108
Gabilondo
Republicans: Two qualified persons seek this office, currently held by B.J. Pak, who is not seeking re-election. Clay Cox, 47 of Lilburn, is a former legislator. Patty Gabilondo, 56, of Lilburn, is making her first try for office. She has been involved with civic activities, principally through the Lilburn Woman’s Club, and should make a good representative of the district. We endorse Mrs. Gabilondo’s candidacy.
House of Representatives, District 114
Republicans: Two persons seek this office. We make no endorsement, since neither visited with us.
Sheriff of Gwinnett County
Conway
Republicans: This race pits a previous employee of this office against the current sheriff. Keith Van Nus, 63, of Dacula, is director of security at Hebron Baptist Church. Butch Conway, 64, also of Dacula, is in his 20th year as sheriff. This office handles security for the courthouse, serves warrants and operates the county jail. It is a big business, with over 700 employees. Sheriff Conway has a good service history. Because of Sheriff Conway’s record of operations, we endorse his continuation in office.
Bratton
Batchelor
Non-partisan Judicial Races
There are three non-partisan judicial races in Gwinnett this year, with two candidates for each open position. In the recent history, Gwinnett County has enjoyed a reputation of having high quality and fair judges on its benches. While three qualified and worthy candidates oppose each of the judges, we appreciate and approve of the conduct of the three incumbent judges. Therefore, we endorse the incumbents for these offices.
Brown
That includes:
- Judge of Superior Court: Ronnie Batchelor, 66, of Snellville.
- Judge of State Court: Shawn Bratton, 44, of Suwanee.
- Judge of State Court: Carla Brown, 50, of Dacula.
WE THANK ALL of the candidates who have entered the 2016 election primary for their dedication to good government, as evidenced by them taking the time, effort and determination to run for office. They make the system work by giving the people a choice in their elected officials.
Now it’s time for the everyday citizens to do their duty, by not only voting, but supporting the candidacy of office-seekers. Go out and make your voice heard!
Follow Us