Republican Candidates Greet the Public

Several locals announced their candidacy for the upcoming elections Thursday evening.

Each candidate at the Cherokee GOP forum was given at least three minutes to state their platform.

Among those who are currently serving in office are Chief Judge James E. Drane III and Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood. Hobgood said when he went into office four years ago, he found out that there were several things that he wanted to accomplish.

“I soon found out later, that it was difficult to do because of the financial status of the city at that time,” said Hobgood. "The greatest accomplishment that we have been able to make in the last three years is to bring some financial stability to the city of Canton.“

Over the last few months Hobgood said he has fought to save rising cost for water and sewage rates as well as implemented  an advisory committee to study the city’s charter and make recommendations to him for improvement.

“We now know where we are and we can begin to build on that,” said Hobgood.

Drane also announced his candidacy for re-election as . During his speech, Drane received an applause for his accomplishments for citizens.

According to his website, Drane has saved the city of Canton thousands of dollars by simply promising and delivering. He implemented an Electronic Warrant Interface system to save Cherokee County taxpayers money as well as help local law enforcement officers. According to the statistics, the EWI system saved taxpayers an estimated $70,250.   

He also said he is a faithful stewart of tax-payer money.

“You need bang for your buck and we are here to give it to you,” said Drane.

Kenny Phelps announced his candidacy for Tax Commissioner. He has worked for Cherokee County for 25 years at the  as a Development Inspection Manager. He said his focus is to keep an open-door policy for citizens as well as open a tax commissioner office in Woodstock.

“I think the Woodstock people need to be represented,” Phelps said.