Mayors, city councils, and SPLOST on the ballots in Tuesday's election

Polls open across Wilkes County at 7 a.m. Tuesday to elect mayors and councilmen in Washington, Tignall, and Rayle, and to approve the continuation of SPLOST throughout the county.

In this year's Washington city elections, incumbent Mayor Willie E. Burns is being challenged by Carlton Norris.

In council elections, candidates run in one of two districts, with three councilmen elected from each district. In this year's election, District 1 only has one race, so those voters will chose between incumbent Nathaniel Cullars Sr. and challenger Marion Tutt Jr.

In District 2, four candidates are running for two seats. Ames Barnett, Fulani Doughty, Ed Franklin, and incumbent Councilman Edward B. Pope Jr. are running for two seats, and the two candidates who get the most votes get the two seats.

Candidates were invited to say, in 100 words or less, why voters should vote for them. All candidates except Councilman Cullars responded.

for Mayor :

Willie E. Burns: "If we can get everybody on board and everybody moving in the same direction, that's a sign of progress. We just need to continue in the direction that we're going by keeping the mayor working to finish what we have started. Four years is not enough time to finish the projects we have on the table.

"We need to work more closely with the county and the other communities in this area. The conference center, the development plan, and the hotel will play important roles for the city because they are going to create jobs - more than they already have."

Carlton Norris: "Using my leadership abilities to create a long term vision for this city, we as elected officials can make decisions based on a clear focus of that vision. The vision we all need to focus on includes in part, a vocational school to train our children to be competitive in the workforce, expanding small and medium size business, allow retirement facility expansion, and improve our commitment to the tourism industry in our city.

"Government isn't easy. It takes citizens like you to make the difference. It takes a citizen like me to listen to you to make a great city, TOGETHER."

for Council District 1:

Marion Tutt: "Marion Tutt is very concerned about the economics and the people of Washington. He is a proponent of economic development for the city and would be instrumental in bringing more development to District 1. He is an advocate for education. He is strong on qualifying students for jobs. He is very much involved in the issues facing his community. Having his finger on the pulse of the community and a desire for better things for the children of our town qualify him to be the next District 1 representative," said campaign manager Reginald Jones.

for Council District 2:

Ames M. Barnett: "As a life-long citizen of Washington, I have seen small business struggle to thrive. As a local business owner, I can see the things we need to do to keep and expand small business here. A healthy community consists of a solid quality of life, forward thinking representatives, responsible accounting, and a firmvision of where we are going.

"Tourism needs to be looked at as a viable growth industry in this city. District 2 is full of potential for longterm growth and that growth needs guidance. Help me put our city and its future on the path to responsible growth."

Fulani A. Doughty: "Vote for me not only because I have been formally educated to identify and strategically address the needs of the whole person (Citizen, Provider, Life-Long Learner, Employer/Employee, Consumer) but because I truly care about the citizens of our city.

"We must begin to address situations affecting citizens within our community and adapt to changes that are occurring within our nation. Washington is able to diversify without losing beloved aspects of its heritage. However, for this process to occur and be successful, the entire community must unite, be active in the planning process and work diligently until our community achieves success."

Ed Franklin: "For the past four years I have been an active member of the Washington Community. I feel that I have proven myself to be a hard worker and dedicated friend as well as a confidantto many.

"As a business owner I fully understand the hardships faced by emerging small businesses and even those already established. Small business entrepreneurs are the backbone of the American economy and my goal is to work with city leaders to develop programs tailored towards that growing sector. I also understand that it is time to place people above politics and move away from business as usual."

Edward B. Pope Jr.: "Washington is my home. It has afforded me a career. I was able to get a job where I worked 33 years as Human Resources Manager for SCT Yarns/ Washington Manufacturing. Washington has allowed me a chance to raise my three children in a safe and healthy setting.

"In appreciation for all of this, I want to give back something to Washington. You have allowed me to serve one year as councilman. I know with this experience and my ability to work with people, I can help move Washington forward if elected to serve four more years."