By BECKY CRISSMAN

becky.crissman@gaflnews.com

VIENNA — Before making important decisions, it is best to know all the facts. Dooly County citizens had an opportunity Monday night to learn about the three candidates who are seeking the probate judge’s position in a special March 17 election.

The Dooly County Chamber of Commerce and the Vienna Woman’s Club sponsored a forum at the Dooly County Courthouse Monday night so that citizens could learn more about the candidates before they hit the polls. Early voting begins next Monday at the Economic Development Training Center on Hwy. 27 E. in Vienna and continues through the following Friday.

Brad Ray, chairman of Governmental Relations for the Chamber, served as moderator for the forum, and asked candidates to respond to a number of questions.

Candidates include Rooney Bowen III, Kelvin O’Keith Turner, and the currently appointed probate judge, John Sherrer who was appointed to the position last September following the retirement of Dwayne Forehand.

Ray explained some of the duties of a probate judge who handles traffic cases, marriage licensing, and wills, among other things.

Once the questions and answers began, each candidate had 3 minutes to answer each question. There was also time for rebuttals.

When asked why they decided to run for the position Bowen commented that he came from a family of public servants.

Turner, who was first to answer told citizens that he could bring honesty to the position. He said he would respect all citizens as well as make himself accessible to the citizens.

Sherrer chose to run, he said, because he felt that his legal expertise could be of value to the position.

“I have handled some emergencies,” said Sherrer. “There have been some challenges. It has been business as usual.”

Sherrer said he has been the judge for the Vienna City Court for 20 years where he has tried thousands of cases. He also has served as the Unadilla city judge for over 10 years, and he has been a lawyer for over 1/4 of a century. He also served 17 years as public defender, he explained.

“I am current on all laws, both statutory and case law,” said Sherrer. “I believe it is important for a judge to know case laws because they change from day to day.