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With as many headlines as Hall County residents have had to endure this year pertaining to the actions of the Hall County commission, every single one of us should actively participate and become engaged with all of the candidates running for commissioner in the July 20 primary.
Even residents that live in districts without an open seat this year should inject themselves into the political process, learn about the candidates running for positions on the commission and become involved to the best of their abilities.
Just ask anyone in Clermont how important other commissioners are, regardless of residential boundaries. Whether its supporting a candidate with your time, your money or just your attention and thoughtful consideration, we should all take it upon ourselves to invest the resources necessary to get to know the candidates that wish to represent us on the commission.
In return, every candidate seeking a position on the commission should be held accountable in providing unfettered access for all Hall County residents to get to know them and understand where they stand on the most critical issues facing our county.
Nowhere is this access more important than in the race for the seat currently held by Commissioner Bobby Banks. District 1 encompasses the fastest growing area of our county, and because of this, the commissioner selected to represent the area will likely have a disproportionate impact on the issues and decisions faced. It will be vitally important that residents understand the intent and goals of the candidates that want to serve this important district.
Banks, former Flowery Branch City Council Member Craig Lutz and Kimbo Senter, all qualified to run in the July 20 race for the District 1 seat, should step up immediately and participate in as many debates, roundtables and open meetings as possible in order to provide every citizen in Hall County an equal chance of hearing how they plan on leading Hall County for the next four years.
Amanda Swafford
Flowery Branch