Low turnout is expected across the state Tuesday as voters mark ballots in the Democratic and Republican primaries.
That’s a shame, because there are some pretty serious races to be decided. At the state level, three top offices including governor, lieutenant governor and secretary of state all will have new faces in January.
Both seats in Congress representing Newton County are on the ballot, and there’s an open seat on the Board of Commissioners.
And, whether you’re a Democrat or Republican, an important school tax renewal vote is on the ballot as well.
We offer these recommendations for Tuesday.
GOVERNOR
Democrats: Georgia hasn’t had a Democratic governor since Roy Barnes left office in 2003. Both Stacey Abrams or Stacey Evans - both former legislators from the Atlanta area - offer inspiring stories. We give the edge to Abrams, who has served as House minority leader. She could work with a majority-Republican General Assembly and accomplish great things for Georgia.
Republicans: Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle has been running for governor seemingly forever. He’s presided over the Senate during some of the worst financial times in state history and also seen some of our biggest economic successes. We think he offers the best chance to continue the prosperity enjoyed under term-limited Gov. Nathan Deal.
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Democrats: Sarah Riggs Amico has business experience and would make a good choice for Democrats.
Republicans: From 2011-17, Rick Jeffares represented part of Newton County as a state senator. He did so well, and we know he’d be a good leader at the statewide level. He deserves Republicans’ support.
STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 17
Democrats: Phyllis D. Hatcher is unopposed.
Republicans: Brian Strickland has represented this district since early in the 2018 session. He’s done a good job and even distinguished himself as a floor leader for Deal. Strickland deserves a full term.
STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 43
Democrats: Incumbent Tonya P. Anderson has served her district well, in the Senate and before that in the House. We’d recommend a new term.
STATE HOUSE, DISTRICT 113
Democrats: Despite Democrats being a distinct minority under the Gold Dome, Rep. Pam Dickerson, D-Conyers, has worked well with the Republicans and gotten things done in Atlanta. She should be re-elected.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, DISTRICT 2
Democrats: Commissioner Lanier Sims is not seeking a third term. In his place are four candidates. The best of the bunch is Steven Rhodes, who was on the Recreation Commission and has shown a willingness to serve.
eSPLOST/GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND
Renewal of the 1 cent sales tax is a no-brainer. The money will fund needed improvements to Newton County schools, including a new Eastside High School campus and a move of the Newton County Theme School.
Failure to pass the E-SPLOST renewal would mean higher property taxes, and the plan has presented now has accountability for how our dollars are spent. We enthusiastically suggest a Yes vote.
Our Thoughts is the view of The Covington News’ editorial board, which includes Editor and Publisher David Clemons and Managing Editor Jackie Gutknecht.
