By Elliott Brack
Editor and publisher, GwinnettForum
JULY 3, 2018 | GwinnettForum urges registered votes to return to the voting booths on July 24 in the runoff of the two parties to determine the nominations for the General Election.
Even registered voters who did not vote in the May primary are eligible to vote in the runoff. However, if you voted in the primary, you must vote in the same party’s runoff on July 24.
Based on the interviews we have had with candidates this season, GwinnettForum endorses the following candidates, feeling they will be the best person for the office and also will do the best job in carrying their party’s banner in the General Election.
Here are our choices for the contested offices:
Bourdeaux
U.S. Congress, 7th District, Democrats: In this race, we have two good candidates who have survived the first round of voting. David Kim or Carolyn Bourdeaux could each do a good job in this office. Our endorsement is for Carolyn Bourdeaux, 47, of Suwanee for this Congressional seat. We feel Ms. Bourdeaux has more “fire in her belly” to unseat the current Republican Congressman. She is a college professor, and we particularly like her views on affordable health care, and her zeal in wanting to improve the health delivery system.
Shafer
For Lieutenant Governor, Republicans: we heartily endorse Gwinnett’s State Senator David Shafer, 53, of Duluth, who has long toiled in the Senate for the benefit of the county and the state. His 16 years in office means he thoroughly knows his way around the Senate, and can lead in solving our state problems. He will do a good job.
Raffensperger
For Secretary of State, Republicans: our choice is Brad Raffensperger, 62, of Johns Creek, a person who runs a business in Gwinnett. He recognized the problems of this office and seeks to streamline the licensing of corporations. This office oversees the regulation of over 130 professions, through 40 different boards. He promises installation of new voting electronic machines, with print-outs, an important mission for the next four years.
Thornton
For State School Superintendent, Democrats: Otha Thornton, 50, of Richmond Hill. He is one of the most impressive candidates of this election year, a retired lieutenant colonel, and currently a private industry senior technologist. He has deeply involved himself in school matters, being a former president of the National Parent Teachers Association. We like his ideas and zeal, and look forward to his coming to this office to bring a more energetic enthusiasm to it.
Tabb
Statehouse, District 97, Republicans: Our choice is Kipper Tabb, 61, of Duluth, an area pastor of Perimeter Church. We feel he is just the person to fill the shoes of former Rep. Brooks Coleman. He seeks creative ways to solve our technical problems, particular in transportation and education. He is particularly interested in practical ways to solve both the opioid crisis and child trafficking. We feel he will focus on these and other problems with diligence and intelligence.
Hastings
Statehouse, District 102, Republicans: As we did in the primary, we heartily endorse Paula Hastings, 51, of Lawrenceville. She has put in years of service for the community, including serving on the county Planning and Zoning Commission. She has a statewide outlook, for instance, realizing that the State of Georgia must help South Georgia succeed if the entire state must move forward. She seems open to innovative ideas to propel our state forward.
Sheldon
Statehouse, District 105, Republicans: Our choice is Donna Sheldon, 56, of Dacula. Gwinnett is lucky to have a candidate in this race with several years of previous service in the Legislature. Her experience will help her be a formidable member of the House, hitting the ground running. She is particularly interested in students, broken homes, and what teachers have to deal with. She seeks to do this not so much by governmental regulations, but through empowering the community. Her return to the Legislature will benefit Gwinnett.
Mason
Superior Court Judge, Non-Partisan: As in the earlier voting, our choice is Tracey Mason, 56, of Grayson. She led in the initial voting. She is a mediator who comes from a family long associated with leadership of the county. (Her father was a state representative.) She especially sees the job as looking after the interest of children in custody cases, which through meditation she already deals with in her work in family law and in mediation. She has the experience and background to be a fine judge, and we endorse her candidacy.
SEE RUNOFF BALLOTS: There are three runoff ballots for Gwinnett voters:
ADVANCED VOTING is now underway in the county at the Gwinnett County Elections office, at 455 Grayson Highway in Lawrenceville. Voting takes place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday until July 20. There is no weekend voting, and the office is closed on July 4. You may also vote by absentee ballot from now until prior to the election. An application for an absentee ballot may be obtained online or a registered voter may call 678 226 7210 to request an absentee ballot.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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