The Covington News reached out to all local candidates and received the following responses. These originally ran in previous print editions of The News. 

Candidate name: Fleeta Baggett

Position sought: Mayor

Educational background: Newton County High School, Valdosta State University with BFA in Marketing and P.R.

Professional background: Owned and operated Trinkets, which was located on the downtown square, for 5 years. Former K-4 preschool teacher. Managed the day-to-day operations of two signature South Carolina golf courses and their pro-shops for over 8 years.

Candidate name: Dania Bernard

Position sought: City Council East Ward Post 3

Educational background: Bachelors in Communications at Florida Gulf Coast University

Professional background: Technology & Aviation

If elected what do you hope to achieve?

The full scoop can be found on my campaign website, but in a nutshell I endeavor to:

- Strike a balance between progress and preservation — stabilizing growth while preserving Covington’s small town charm.

- Source federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill to build a new facility for our 911 dispatchers, rehabilitate our underground pipelines, develop pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and to create a low/no cost transportation option for seniors.

- Create resources for our local workforce to re-skill and capitalize on employment opportunities coming to Covington.

- Promote sustainable practices to reduce our dependency on landfills. Collaborate with service providers, organizations, and City staff to develop a commercial recycling program.

Candidate name: Carla Ferry

Position sought? Covington City Council, East Ward

Educational background: I graduated from Newton County Comprehensive High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree.  I became a licensed Real Estate Agent and have a background in Interior and Graphic Design.  I have extensive training in customer service, sales, negotiation, team building, management, programming, preparing and evaluating Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

Professional background: My professional background began at 15 when I got my first job in town at Harper’s 5 & Dime.  After graduating high school, I worked at Friedman’s Jewelers in Newton Plaza. I pursued my college education while working as an Administrative Assistant at the Oaks Golf Course. Upon graduating college, I worked as an Executive Assistant at CNN.  After obtaining my real estate license, I worked as a Realtor and Executive Assistant at American Realty & Traditional Realty until starting my own freelance business. In 2022, I was a board member of a local non-profit scholarship competition affiliated with the Miss America Organization.  My blended experience in corporate, small business and non-profits provides a diverse background to draw upon as a council person.

If elected, what do you hope to achieve? If elected, my primary goals are to promote transparency in zoning notices and procedures while ensuring that public records are easily accessible.  Another is to enhance police presence for the safety and security of our community.  Additionally, I plan to stimulate our local economy through commercial development and tourism.  My vision includes quality, single-family home neighborhoods, balanced commercial developments, creating unique shops, entertainment options and job opportunities. Through these efforts, we can rebuild our community and reduce tax burdens. I ask for your vote to help turn the dream of amenities like a bowling alley, outdoor shopping and a theatre into a reality.  It is crucial to stay connected to our roots and preserve our history, values and vibrant spirit that unify our community. To achieve this, I will work towards reevaluating and restructuring our current zoning practices, procedures and definitions to prevent unchecked growth and heavy-density developments. Additionally, I am committed to the restoration of historic sites such as the archives, Conyers Street Gym & Baker Field, and preserving our city’s heritage.

What do voters need to know about you? My all-time favorite job is being a mom to my teenage son, Preston. I’m interested in raising awareness for autism for the misunderstood.  I’m also a devoted wife to my husband, Ray, a retired 25-year army veteran with 7 deployments, including two recently from 2019-2022 for Texas Border Patrol and Covid relief.

I have a heart to serve our community and have done so despite 2 breast cancer surgeries in November 2020 and March 2022. God allows us to experience trials in life to grow richer in our faith and move towards helping others achieve their goals and walk through their own trials.  I hope my experiences will be useful in determining why our zip code is known to have the highest number of cancer cases in the state of Georgia.  I would like to bring awareness, find answers, and determine solutions to this growing issue that affects us all. 

I enjoy restoring antiques and our two historic 1906 houses. I’ve lived in our historic district in the same house my entire life.  In June 2015, my husband and I purchased and saved the house next door from abandonment and 20 years of neglect. We found ourselves engaged in a persistent battle over our renovation efforts, with excessive harassment, taxation and witnessing the unfortunate exploitation of the city against its own citizens.

On June 20, 2019, we entered into a written agreement of our ongoing restoration efforts with the city for the house next door to be painted by June 20, 2024. However, in March 2022, the code enforcement officer wrote a citation at the behest of a sitting council person, thereby breaching the contract he agreed on in 2019. We had to fight this through the courts until August 2022.  Through this torturous process, the DCA and the courts confirmed and upheld my findings that the “Permissive Codes” written for my citation, were deemed unenforceable since 2004 resulting in “no prosecution.”  This means that anyone given a citation for the years between 2004 and October 2022 under the permissive codes, should have been notified, granted their return on any fees and have this expunged from their records.  When I brought this to the council’s attention in June 2022, once again, we were given first-hand experience of dealing with our complicit, unresponsive government.  There was no follow-up, no check and balance to the city attorney’s and city prosecutor’s push on this case. From this adversity, I gained valuable knowledge and experience that will prove to be beneficial for serving as a city council person.  

Historic properties mean a great deal to our community which is why my husband, Covington’s Historic Preservation Commission chairman, and I applied in June 2023 for the Georgia Trust, “Places in Peril” to nominate Conyers Street Gym and Baker Field as 1 of 10 places in GA that need preservation. The gym was closed in 2016 and it hasn’t stopped raining inside since, despite our efforts as a community to have a tarp placed upon the building 2 years ago.

For more on the Restoration of Conyers Street Gym visit: https://savebakerfield.com  and https://carlaferry.com

PLEASE FOLLOW MY FACEBOOK PAGE:  CARLA FERRY FOR CITY COUNCIL

Candidate name: Felton Hudson

Position sought? Mayor of Covington

Education background:

Graduated from Newton County High School

Graduated from 30-week US Navy Electronics/RADAR school.

Bachelor of Science Degree from Georgia State University.

Associate degree in Business from Dekalb Community College

Air Conditioning Technology Degree from Dekalb Tech

Many aircraft schools operated by Delta Airlines

Professional Background

Radarman in USN for 4 years. Engine Mechanic, Pilot Ground School Instructor, Flight Analyst, Hangar MTC, Quality Control Inspector — which included several factory rep assignments inspecting aircraft Delta bought from Douglas and Boeing Aircraft Manufacturers 

Ran small air conditioning Company.

Taught Heating and Air conditioning at Dekalb Tech for 8 years.

Served on the Board of Equalization of Dekalb County for 8 years

Wrote Pilot Manuals for Private Jet.

Did home repair on homes being sold by Century 21 Real Estate

If elected, what do you hope to achieve? 1. Try to restore confidence in elected officials. 2. Give all who have a complaint needed to make their case. 3. Slow down growth using the law and every parliamentary rule to achieve this. 4. Give everyone with a gripe a fair hearing. Try to rescind the recent smash and grab by the council in increasing their pay by 33%. 5. Get us back on sound financial footing. 

Name? Kimberly (Kim) Johnson

Position sought? City Council, West Ward, Post 1

Educational background? Georgia Career Institute

Professional background? Salon at the Grove Owner

Board member for CASA,

Cycle Instructor

If elected, what do you hope to achieve? I look forward to working with the council and the citizens of Covington to keep our city a wonderful place to live, work, visit, start a business, or raise a family. 

Candidate name: Travis Moore

Position sought: Covington City Council East Ward Post 2

Educational background: Bachelor Degree Occupational Safety & Health (Columbia Southern University)

Associate Degree Fire Science (Georgia Piedmont, Technical College)

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (Covington Chamber of Commerce)

Professional background: Current sitting member of the City of Covington Planning and Zoning Commission. Managing partner Moore Rentals LLC, Managing partner Moxie Yoga Barre Pilates & Associate Broker Hometown Realty Consultants Inc.

Newton County Fire & Rescue &

Piedmont Hospital- Emergency Medical Services 2006-2019

If elected, what do you hope to achieve? Stop uncontrolled growth. This has been a central theme of my campaign. As a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, I’ve witnessed the consequences of irresponsible development in recent years. We must put an end to irresponsible development and prioritize well-planned, quality projects that benefit our city in the long run. My philosophy is to strike a balance that respects our community’s character while promoting responsible development. On the Planning & Zoning Commission we are a recommending body only, this is why I’m running. We must make better decisions when it comes to development projects that end up costing our city and putting a strain on city services.

Candidate name:  Halima Muhammad

Position sought: Porterdale City Council Post 2

Educational background: My educational journey includes acquiring tech certificates and recognition as a motivational speaker. These experiences have honed my problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities, which I believe are essential for addressing the challenges facing Porterdale.

Professional background: I have a proven track record of leadership and community service. As an Operations Manager, I achieved #1 status in the Network company’s history, positively impacting the local economy and job security. Additionally, I have experience as the Mayor’s Assistant in JC and served as an Assistant Campaign Manager for a Senate campaign, where I further developed my leadership and organizational skills.

If elected, what do you hope to achieve?  If elected, my vision is to empower our city and its residents. I am deeply passionate about making Porterdale vibrant and attractive for both residents and businesses. I am committed to building a strong Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and actively attracting businesses to our community. My goal is to transform Porterdale into a thriving destination where people come to live, play, and invest. I also intend to leverage my experience in women’s empowerment and community work to enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Candidate name: Michael Patterson

Position sought: Mayor of the City of Porterdale

Educational background: Graduated from Rockdale Christian School in 2004. I am a Certified Temperament Counselor, Certified Pastoral Counselor and Professional Clinical Member of the NCCA. I am currently working to receive my Bachelor’s Degree as a Christian Counselor.

Professional background: I have served as Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle in Conyers since 2012. As a teenager, I worked with a septic tank company for a couple of years over the summer time, then work at Firehouse Music until I was 18 years old and started working full-time in ministry at the church. Throughout my ministry/professional life, I have been privileged to serve in many different positions and on many different boards and committees. I have served as a Secretary and Financial Director, President of the Georgia District Youth Ministries, Porterdale Police Chaplain, Chairman of the Porterdale Zoning Commission, Porterdale City Council Member, and, along with continuing to serve as the Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, I also serve as the Principal of Faith Christian Academy.

If elected, what do you hope to achieve: My vision for Porterdale is to PROTECT, PROVIDE, & PROMOTE. I will serve our community by protecting our citizens and the history of our village, providing quality services and promoting the overall health, community and growth of our city.

What do voters need to know about you? I love my family, my church and my community! I’ve been a Newton County resident my entire life and have lived in Porterdale since 2010. My family roots go back multiple generations in Porterdale and I have a true love for this village.

I’m an Atlanta Braves Fan and love Baseball as I serve on the Coaching Staff of my son’s little league team in the Newton County Recreational Department. I also enjoy playing Pickleball and have joined the Covington Pickleball Club. I enjoy playing drums and have had the privilege of playing for different gospel group recordings and events since I was a teenager. Pizza, Dr. Pepper and Sweet Tea are my No. 1 choice of food and drinks!

Candidate name: D. Kay Piper

Educational background: Educated in the Newton County school system, graduated from Newton County High School, attended Shorter College

Professional background: Corporate accounting, management and marketing.  Broker/Owner of The Magnolia Realty Group, LLC

Position sought: Mayor of Porterdale

If elected, what do you hope to achieve? Bring a new level of Professionalism with Open lines of communication between department heads and with the public, ensure Financial Accountability to the citizens, continue needed infrastructure updates, construction of new City Hall and Public Works building, work collectively with department heads and the public to develop more activities within the City for all age groups such as the addition of Pickle Ball courts and a skateboard park, as well as more events in our historic gymnasium, work to attract more festivals, work to attract more businesses into our business district, with the goal in mind to “Make Porterdale a Destination!” rather than just a corridor of transport for people to travel from the eastside to the westside of the county.

Candidate name?  Eric Russell

Position sought? Porterdale city council Post 1

Educational background?   Associate Degree in Criminal Justice

Professional background?   Retired after 27 years in Law Enforcement in Texas.  Worked 5 years as a Patrol Officer, moved over to Detectives and spent 3 1/2 years working in the Crimes Against Persons Unit investigating murders, suicides, sexual assaults, robberies, etc. Promoted to police sergeant and spent 7 years as a first line supervisor, promoted to lieutenant and spent 3 years as a shift commander, promoted to captain and spent 9 years as operations commander over the Patrol section.  

If elected, what do you hope to achieve? My desires are to achieve for the city of Porterdale 1) Progress 2) Preservation 3) Prosperity 4) Participation

Candidate name:  Jared Rutberg

Educational background:  

Springfield College, Bachelor of Science (Cum Laude), Physical Education

Numerous military courses and certifications

Numerous professional courses and certifications

Professional background:

- 2 years Enlisted, US Army Reserve

- 8 ½ years as an Officer, Active Duty Army including Commanding 2 companies (1 in Korea during 9/11, the other in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division); Blackhawk Pilot, Jumpmaster, Bronze Star recipient

- 2 years Project Manager at Acuity Brands Lighting, earned the Chairman’s Award first year with the company

- Local Small Business Owner (18 years)  

- Current Owner of Covington Pro Lube, Kwik Change Complete Automotive and R5 Holdings

- Winner of numerous professional awards including: Dick James Small Business of the Year (plus finalist two other years), Newton County Builder of the Year, 15+ Best of Newton Awards and 10+ Reader’s Choice Awards

- Partner in Education (PIE) with Newton County School System (NCSS) and multiple individual schools in the system.  2022-2023 PIE of the Year for NCSS

- NCSS Work Based Learning Business of the Year (2021)

If elected, what do you hope to achieve?

- Stopping the UNCONTROLLED growth from overtaking our community.  

- Fiscal transparency and ensuring we have a budget that not only handles today’s business but includes saving for future shortfalls

- Fully staffing all of our first responder departments

- Addressing the congestion on our thoroughfares, including working with GDOT regarding the Bypass and GA 36 specifically in addition to several other roads of concern.

- Addressing the vehicle safety concerns on our residential streets

- Strict Term Limits for all council members, without a grandfather clause

What do voters need to know about you?  

- My family truly lives, works and plays here.

- Live: We are members of First Baptist Church and all our boys went through pre-school at First Baptist Academy; Our 3 boys have all gone through Newton County public schools (1 still in middle school); 

- Work: We own multiple businesses in the city limits and have for 18 years.   We have had over 10 Work-Based Learning students at our shops the last 3 years.  I have served on numerous civic committees, including the Covington Planning Commission (7yrs), Airport Authority (3yrs), 278CID (8yrs), CTAE Advisory Committee for NCSS (10yrs)

- Play: I’ve coached over 45 seasons of youth sports—baseball, soccer, softball, swimming, etc. for Newton Recreation, the YMCA, Solid Rock and Eastside.  Jennifer & I eat lunch on the Square daily.  We attend the majority of local events and have for 19 years.  Our kids have played in every park, we walk around town and enjoy dinner on the Square.  

- My hobbies: family time (camping, lake life, hanging out), cornhole (I play A LOT), college football, NASCAR

Candidate name: Bekah Sue Sewell

Position sought? Porterdale – City Council Post 1

Educational background: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Master of Business Administration, Penscacola Christian College

Professional background: Logistics

If elected, what do you hope to achieve? My vision revolves around revitalizing Porterdale’s way of life. This includes reshaping our greenspaces, restoring the river, and reinvigorating community events. By creating opportunities for residents to meet and connect, we can make the most of our wonderful features. My inspiration comes from the passage in Matthew 12:25, 33, where I see the aspiration for unity and a strong foundation that mirrors my hopes for Porterdale.

Candidate name:  Eric D. Threets

Position sought: Mayor of the City of Covington, GA

Educational background: Master of Arts in Ministry (pursuing), Luther Rice College and Seminary, Lithonia, GA. Master of Arts in Apologetics, Luther Rice College and Seminary, Lithonia, GA.  Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (pursuing), Walden University, Minneapolis, MN. Bachelor of Arts in Allied Health, Saint Andrews College, Laurinburg, NC. Basic Law Enforcement Training, North Central GA Law Enforcement Academy, Austell, GA

Professional background: Deputy Sheriff Investigator - Newton County Sheriff’s Office, Covington, GA. Account Executive/Physician Recruiter - Soliant Health, Tucker, GA.  Direct Sales Representative - Charter Communications/SPECTRUM, Milledgeville, GA. Business Account Manager - Sprint, Norcross, GA. Senior Indirect Account Manager - Verizon Wireless, Covington, GA. Senior Director of Admissions and Marketing - Genesis ElderCare, Fair Lawn, NJ. Practice Administrator - Pinnacle Health/HIP of NJ, Edison, NJ

If elected, what do you hope to achieve?  As a current law enforcement officer and Mayor of Covington, I plan to address the growing concerns about safety and rising crime rates;

As a homeowner and Mayor of Covington, I would suffer the same burden as the citizens of the City of Covington and plan to prevent property tax increases for wasteful spending; 

As one of YOU, a citizen, and Mayor of Covington, I will insist on accountability from the head to the tail of my new administration and those holding positions of public trust. No more excuses, the public deserves more of its leaders.

As a business leader and Mayor of the City of Covington, I will work with local small and medium business owners to develop a youth employment/leadership development program.

What do voters need to know about you?    The voters need to know that I am a believer and servant first, and then, I am a family man who is still excited to be married 31 years to my college sweetheart of 37 years. I am immensely proud of our two young adults: Aisling, a Dean’s Listed Child Psychology student, educator, and Assistant Director of an after-school program; and Eric II, a graduate of Georgia Southern University, a current nursing student, and first responder as a paramedic. My hobbies and interests are realized through my family life and providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for them. My passion is serving the Kingdom by caring for those in my community and creating new relationships.

Candidate name: James “Tim” Walden

Position sought: Mayor of Covington

Educational background: AA in Mortuary Science from Gupton-Jones College. BA in Theology from Church of God Seminary. MA in Theology/ Crisis Counseling 

Professional background: Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer in Georgia for 36 years. Board certified Crisis Counselor, certified first responder Chaplain, certified Military Chaplain and ordained Minister Pastor at Calvary Community Church for 41 years. Newton County Sheriff’s Office Staff Chaplain and National Funeral Directors Asso. Board of Directors.

If elected, what do you hope to achieve? If elected I desire to see smart growth in our community where there is a variety of homes and businesses that does not put such a huge tax on our homeowners. Also, a workable plan to alleviate the homeless population in our community, and hunger issues. We also seek to bring in things for our children and grandchildren, so they do not have to go to other cities for these attractions. We need to take care of our own and keep our community feel.

What do voters need to know about you? I was born here and raised here and never left. I love this city which has been supportive to me and my family. My hobbies include being a servant, playing music which over my life I have been fortunate to play with some of the biggest names in country and gospel music earning induction in 2017 to The Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tenn. The main thing is I care about everyone no matter their party affiliation and background. We must work together to be a success.