While two of Augusta's mayoral candidates promoted their political experience as why they should be elected to the city's top slot Nov. 8, two others touted their lack of experience as a plus - promoting the notion that new blood is needed.

On Tuesday night, at least 200 people packed into a conference room at University Hospital South on Peach Orchard Road for a forum featuring Augusta's mayoral candidates. Voters will make their choice on Nov. 8.

All four candidates, Willie Mays, Tommy Boyles, Helen Blocker-Adams and Deke Copenhaver, participated in the forum sponsored by Pride and Progress, a south Augusta economic development group.

Mr. Mays said voters could rely on his long-term experience as a political unifier and one who is not afraid of making tough and sometimes unpopular decisions.

Mr. Boyles emphasized his administrative knowledge as former director of the Richmond County recreation and parks department and his service as District 3 county commissioner.

Ms. Blocker-Adams said she wants to work with the parts of the community that have not gotten the services they needed.

Mr. Copenhaver said he is convinced he's the new face who can go head-to-head with Mr. Mays.

Of about 10 questions from the audience, two evoked the most crowd reaction.

One was whether any of the candidates objected to scheduling earlier times for commission meetings.

All four candidates said they had no objections to earlier time schedules.

A second query asked how they would fix poverty situations throughout Augusta.

Mr. Copenhaver said demolishing crack-houses and using the private sector to assist the poor is a solution.

Mr. Mays said having the political will to insist that the haves relinquish finances to help the have-nots is a viable start.

Mr. Boyles said following examples of housing programs such as ANIC and other community housing development projects is a possible solution.

Ms. Blocker-Adams said bringing financial institutions and rehabilitative housing experts to the table would help.

In a straw poll taken at the conclusion of the forum Mr. Mays had 57 votes, Ms. Blocker-Adams had 44 votes, Mr. Boyles had 24 votes and Mr. Copenhaver had 14 votes.

Reach Timothy Cox at (706) 823-3217 or tim.cox@augustachronicle.com.