By BECKY CRISSMAN

becky.crissman@gaflnews.com

VIENNA — With the general election only a few weeks away, candidates at all governmental levels are working hard to sway the public support to their favor.

The Dooly County Chamber of Commerce, Vienna Woman’s Club, and the Southwest Georgia United Empowerment Zone sponsored a candidates’ forum Tuesday night here to give the local area candidates a chance to meet the public and answer questions that are on the minds of registered voters in the area.

Tim Lewis of Americus served as moderator for the event with Hugh Richardson as time keeper.

Second Congressional District Representative Sanford Bishop and State Senator George Hooks were on the list of guest speakers, along with Lynmore James, Dooly County Commissioners Terrell Hudson and Harry Ward, and Bob Jeter who appeared on behalf of Senator Saxby Chambliss.

After the speakers finished making their comments, the candidates squared off in a Q & A event where each was required to answer the same five questions asked by the moderator.

Roy Gibbs and Buddy Harden, candidates for state representative to fill the position left vacant by the retirement of Johnny Floyd were the first to answer questions.

“Our rights are God given,” said Gibbs after being asked why he chose to run for the position. “Government should serve the people. I want to be the voice of the common man and restore the vision of our founding fathers.”

Gibbs also commented that his experience as a pastor and an educator gives him the ability to work with people from all walks of life.

“We must consider our children first,” Gibbs said. “We need to empower them. We must motivate them.”

In order to do that, Gibbs said, “we need to come up with new strategies and support programs to strengthen families.”

Harden said he chose to run because God has blessed him with the opportunity.

“Always take advantage of the opportunities that God places before us. I feel like I have the skills and the talent to understand the needs of the people,” Harden said.