Whether to pass a much-debated sales tax package or put new leadership on the Augusta Commission were among the issues raised by candidates in a forum Tuesday night.

The Augusta-Richmond County Committee for Good Government let candidates for Augusta mayor, commission and Augusta-Richmond County Board of Education address its members before the group voted on endorsements. On hand was the first candidate the group endorsed this season, new Georgia Sen. Ed Tarver.

City Administrator Fred Russell put in a plug for the $160 million special purpose local option sales tax package, which comes after voters defeated two earlier versions.

"What's on the ballot are things for your future, things that we need, basic things that our community needs," he said.

The future was also on the minds of those running for mayor.

"I represent the future with a comprehensive strategy that will impact all of Richmond County," regardless of race, Helen Blocker-Adams said.

The future could mean building on existing strengths, such as the talent that already exists in the health care field in Augusta, interim Mayor Willie Mays said.

And it might mean looking at new programs, such as the city giving discounts for seniors the way some utilities already do, former Commissioner Tommy Boyles said.

"Why can't we do something to help our senior population?" he said.

For others, the future means making a complete change.

"There's a complete lack of trust in government as it stands right now," Deke Copenhaver said. "I know that I have the vision and the strength of leadership to turn this community around."

Reach Tom Corwin at (706) 823-3213 or tom.corwin@augustachronicle.com.