TIFTON – Registered Tift County voters can vote in municipal elections as well as a countywide referendum.

The countywide referendum is for an educational special purpose local option sales tax for Tift County Schools. Tifton, Omega and Ty Ty also had qualifying for candidates earlier this year.

Omega had Rubye Meders qualifying for Post 1, Dickie Robinson for Post 3 and James G. Patrick III qualify for Post 4. Despite Post 2 being vacant, there were no qualifying candidates earlier this year.

In Ty Ty, only the incumbents, Mayor J. Keith Beasley, Tony Randall, Post 2, and Linda Drawdy, Post 4, qualified for their respective positions. Because of this, Ty Ty does not plan to hold an election in November, election officials said.

For Tifton City Council, registered voters in District 1 and District 3 can cast ballots. 

The District 1 race is unopposed with only one qualifying candidate Denny Joshua Reynolds.

District 3 has two candidates who qualified: Lester L. Cromer Jr. and Sherrod Thompson during the qualifying period earlier this year. Incumbent Johnny Terrell filed as a write-in candidate, according to election officials.

Since only one district has a contested election race, The Tifton Gazette sent questions to all three candidates running for Tift City Council District 3. Cromer and Thompson responded. Terrell did not respond despite The Gazette making repeated efforts by phone, email and through City Hall to reach him.

Here are the candidate responses.

Lester L. Cromer Jr.

Occupation: Realtor at Professional Plus Realty 

Why did you decide to run for city council?

Cromer: “Over 10 years ago I was contracted as a videographer for the City Council meetings. Attending the meetings and learning how city government works sparked my passion to become involved in Tifton’s City Council. Today, I feel my district needs proactive representation that works in the best interest of the citizens of District 3 and in our entire community.”

What makes you the most qualified candidate?

Cromer: “My military experience in the communication field prepared me to be a valuable asset as a disciplined councilman. This experience will enable me to make policy decisions on ordinances and resolutions that impact the health, welfare and safety of the citizens in our community. Determination, dedication and discipline will be the driving forces of how I serve on City Council.”

What do you see as the three biggest challenges facing Tifton?

Cromer: “I believe in the ‘One Tifton’ concept, meaning when city and the county work together, the positive outcomes are beneficial for everyone. I pledge to not only be a positive asset to the City Council but to proactively work with county leadership for the betterment of all citizens.

“Second, I will work and support efforts to bring viable jobs to Tifton and ensure we have a workforce suited to maintain and fulfill those jobs. 

“Third is working now for a bright future. Our best and brightest students leave Tifton for other destinations. I will work and support programs that encourage our youth to be avid students and upstanding citizens in our community. I want our youth to be prepared to compete in a global economy and harness that talent to propel the City of Tifton towards excellence in all aspects.”

What are three specific goals you have for the city?

Cromer: “My three goals for the city are to improve our infrastructure including our streets and roadways, create affordable housing and work hand in hand with our youth, local leaders and law enforcement to reduce our rising crime rate. Our youth deserve the chance to become productive citizens and everyone deserves a safer living environment.”

If elected, what would you do to ensure transparency in office and access to the public?

Cromer: “Communication with my constituents is paramount. I will be accessible for input, questions and comments creating an atmosphere of trust and respect. I also plan to form an advisory committee made up of professional and active members of the community to ensure transparency and to give a forum for consistent feedback and insight.”

Sherrod Thompson

Occupation: National Guard, Georgia Department of Transportation Asphalt Department

Why did you decide to run for city council?

Thompson: “I decided to run for City Council soon after joining the Tifton Chamber Of Commerce. I knew I could do more than expected for my community because 12 years of military service making a difference is something I always believed in and doing what’s right especially for the people and being a voice for those who aren’t able to speak.”

What makes you the most qualified candidate?

Thompson: “I am not part of the current political establishment so I am free to do what is best for the residents, and as a dedicated proven leader even before my run for City Council, I always wanted to serve my community and the citizens. I bring real-world experience to government. By self-funding my own campaign, I will work for the residents and not the special interests.”

What do you see as the three biggest challenges facing Tifton?

Thompson: “The three biggest challenges I will face would be trying to have the roadways fixed and running, working with and helping our law enforcement to stop the violence and promote a platform to where the community can see each other as one. The concern, well-being and safety of each and every child in Tift County.”

What are three specific goals you have for the city?

Thompson: “I would like to bring in more resources to help with the community and its citizens, make Tifton a great place for all families to live healthy, work productively, learn continuously and play actively from generation to generation.”

If elected, what would you do to ensure transparency in office and access to the public?

Thompson: “Because there will be honesty, accuracy and accountability, there will be no abuse of power, we will be as one community and be open.”

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Registered Tifton and Tift County voters can cast a ballot in early voting which started last week and continues through Oct. 29.

Residents will be able to vote during this period any time between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. In addition, voting will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, and Oct. 23, Elections Office, 222 Chestnut Ave., Building B. For more information or questions about elections, contact the elections office, (229) 386-7915.

Election Day is Nov. 2.