Candidates hash out their plans for office

Eight Republican candidates running for county or state office campaigned Monday during a party-sponsored forum.

The candidates, or their representatives, discussed their platforms during the Columbia County GOP event at the Evans Government Complex.

"I support orderly growth and responsible growth," said Charles Allen, who is running against Deanne Hall for the Columbia County Commission District 3 seat.

Mr. Allen said he would like to "freeze" property taxes to match the rate of inflation in the county. Also, he said that in the absence of state funding, sales tax dollars should be spent to improve highways.

Ms. Hall stressed three issues -- growth management, smart commercial growth and fiscal responsibility -- that she believes the voters of District 3 care about.

"Commercial growth is necessary because it provides tax dollars, jobs and lifestyle conveniences," she said. "However, commercial growth at the expense of a community is not necessary."

For the commission District 4 seat, former Harlem Mayor Scott Dean stressed his experience in directing growth, his commitment to the community and his ability to work with other lawmakers.

"Tax relief has to be priority No. 1, but we can't do it easily," he said. "We have to work with our state legislators."

Mr. Dean's opponent, David Payne, also touted his community commitment.

"That's ... what I want to do: serve the people," he said.

In his bid to unseat state Rep. Ben Harbin in District 118, Lee Benedict said he wants to improve education funding in the state while offering tax relief.

Mr. Benedict said Mr. Harbin's clout as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee is not translating into needed funding for Columbia County.

"We are not being represented the way we should," he said.

Mr. Harbin rebutted Mr. Benedict's claim and said the county's school system is receiving $20 million more from the state than it did four years ago.

Mr. Harbin also said he intends to continue fighting for a "fair tax system" that brings relief to the state's middle class.

In the race for state House District 117, candidate Lee Anderson's wife, Donna, spoke on his behalf.

"He is a doer and will be a watchdog for you in Atlanta," she said.

Mr. Anderson wants to improve education funding and supports the construction of more reservoirs in the state, she said.

Brett McGuire, Mr. Anderson's opponent, is a retired businessman and said he knows "what it takes to compete in today's global economy."

While discussion of cutting taxes is good, Mr. McGuire said state lawmakers also need to seek ways to cut spending.

Reach Donnie Fetter at (706) 868-1222, ext. 115, or donnie.fetter@augustachronicle.com.