IN BRIEF: Former Sheriff candidate Donald Ferguson, who lost the bid for the Democratic nomination to Eric Levett in the July 31 primary, announced he is endorsing Republican candidate for Commission Chairman Jason Hill and not the Democratic candidate and incumbent Commission Chairman Richard Oden.

"I believe in being ethically grounded," said Ferguson. "I believe in transparency. Jason Hill served as Commissioner Post I. I truly think this is what is needed in Rockdale... I believe in doing what is right. Though I'm a Democrat, my principals are independent and nonpartisan. As a sheriff, you have to serve every ethnic group in the county."

"I've known what (Hill) has done since I came to this county in 1997... It's about supporting the stakeholders of the county," said Ferguson.

"My decision was my decision," said Ferguson, adding that it was not related to any "negativity" and that Hill was the only candidate he had endorsed.

"As far as Richard Oden, I didn’t endorse him. I voted Democrat, but I didn’t endorse anybody. The question is, did they vote for me?"

Ferguson said his platform was based on ethics, integrity, transparency. "I lost my race on those three words. There’s something going on in this community that’s not right."

Hill said in a released statement: "I am thankful for the endorsement. During this election, and as I have shown as an elected official before, I will bring together Republicans, Democrats, and independents to return the county government back to the people. This is not the first or the last time people will put partisanship aside to do what is in the best interest of our community. When I am elected, I plan to represent every citizen. My door and my ear will be open and I will show that through this campaign."