Ten of the 13 candidates in contested elections for the Augusta Commission and the Richmond County school board stumped Tuesday for the Augusta-Richmond County Committee for Good Government at the Julian Smith Barbecue Pit, offering in three minutes or less their qualifications, platforms and visions for the city.

Two candidates, District 3 Commissioner Joe Bowles and District 5 commission candidate Bobby Hankerson, couldn't attend and sent stand-ins. District 1 candidate Anthony Jones was a no-show.

The purpose was to secure endorsements from the good government committee.

In the end, with 72 members voting, the committee endorsed Aishia Leverett for Richmond County Board of Education District 5, Matt Aitken for commission District 1, Mr. Bowles for commission District 3 and former Commissioner Bobby Hankerson for commission District 5.

Ms. Leverett touted her work in counseling and said education is her passion.

"I believe that if we're going to have new leadership and do different things, we need to put new leadership in place."

Patsy Scott, the widow of late District 5 trustee Joe Scott, said she was married to a schoolteacher, raised three sons and has four grandchildren.

"I believe in transparency," she said. "I believe we should keep everything aboveboard. I am retired. I have the time. I have the energy."

James Williams Jr. said the school system needs someone prepared to go to work.

"I do believe that a Board of Education representative is one that is a policy-maker," he said. "Not one who dictates."

In the District 1 race, Mr. Aitken said the city needs to better capitalize on its resources, particularly the riverfront. He said he supports building the trade, exhibit and event center at the proposed site on Reynolds Street, and that the commission shouldn't lose the opportunity to have a $25 million Hyatt hotel built nearby.

Bill Fennoy pointed to the cancer center, the new judicial center and the new library going up in District 1.

"What I don't see is people from my district working on any of those projects," he said.

JoRae Jenkins laid out her platform, including transparency in government, economic development and bringing jobs to Augusta. She said she wants to revive an old city policy of requiring government contractors to use at least 45 percent local labor.

Butch Palmer held up protest placards saying Augusta needs to be cleaned up and said the city needs a Chronic Nuisance Properties Ordinance, which he's been pushing as an activist in Harrisburg.

Mr. Palmer also said he opposes the TEE center, in part because of its escalated cost.

In the District 3 race, Mr. Bowles was in Atlanta on business, so former Mayor Bob Young read a letter on his behalf in which he vowed to fight for taxpayers while ensuring public safety is funded. He said commissioners need to stop using the TEE center for "power plays."

Joy B. Mitchell-Booker said she wants to see Augusta thrive. She admitted she's at a disadvantage because she has lived in the city for only 13 years.

Cleveland O'Steen said he supports economic development and government accountability. He spoke of the need to improve Augusta Public Transit.

Mr. Hankerson had to leave early, so his campaign manager in the District 5 race, Eugene Hunt, stood in. He said the pastor and former commissioner's platform includes discounted water rates for seniors and disabled residents, no more trash fee increases and a "one-stop shop" government services center in south Augusta.

Bill Lockett vowed to vote on every issue, promising never to abstain or walk out on a vote. His platform also includes green technology to create jobs, eliminating dilapidated housing and working with law enforcement on public safety.