FOLEY — The South Baldwin Republican Women's Club held a candidate forum for candidates for the Baldwin County Commission.
The candidates were asked about infrastructure, planning, economic development, budgeting, storm response, their leadership style and the controversial proposed Stockton solar facility.
Commissioner District 1's Jeb Ball was the only incumbent among the eight candidates. Ball is in his eighth year on the Commission. Ball said infrastructure is one of the most important issues the Commission has control over. He reviewed ongoing programs and emphasized plans for evacuation routes and the Commission's use of partnerships with municipalities to make improvements.
Richard Cox, running against Ball, said he thinks it's important for commissioners to reach out to other leaders and environmental organizations when it comes to protecting the Delta. He pointed to the Stockton solar project as an example of how commissioners could do so.
Commission District 2 candidate Kyle Henderson said that while infrastructure is likely the county's biggest issue, the commission needs to go to Montgomery to push for local rights.
"One of the things that we have in the county is we have very little rights under the County Commission of what we can and can't do," Henderson said. "We need to go to Montgomery, tell Montgomery we're tired of them legislating what we can and cannot do in Baldwin County and bring the rights back to Baldwin County. Let Baldwin County make decisions for themselves."
Henderson's opponent, Angelo Fermo, was unable to attend the forum.
For District 3, incumbent Billie Jo Underwood was unable to attend. Kevin Brock and Phillip Dembowski both said infrastructure and transportation are important. Dembowski said unprecedented growth has impacted the county, and he believes commissioners need to address those impacts.
Brett Gaar, Tracey Gambill and Tater Harris, all running for District 4, were in attendance at the forum.
Gaar said he is hearing three main issues: solar fields, growth and infrastructure. Garr said as a commissioner, he would look to a federal agency for an environmental impact statement on the solar facility.
"I would go to the federal agency as a commissioner, I would do everything I can to make sure that Stockton and the rest of the county know that we're supporting them and agree with them," Gaar said. "That would be my approach.
Harris said the most pressing issues he sees are infrastructure and growth. He said his top priority would be protecting the people.
"My goal is simple," said Harris. "Move Baldwin County forward responsibly while protecting our community. Our community is what's important to everyone here in this room and we have to protect that, whether that's through infrastructure, whether that's through growth planning, whether that's through long-term range planning."
Gambill said her concerns are protecting rural character and agriculture, addressing population growth and addressing sprawling development. Gambill said she proposes a new zoning category to require two homes per acre, not three. Further, she said she would make herself accessible to her constituents.
"My guiding principles are honesty and integrity," said Gambill. "I will listen to the people of this county. You are so important and you know that's what you need in your community. I will take your calls, meet with you full-time, not part-time."
As for the public voice, the candidates were asked how they would respond to social media backlash and citizen journalists. Moderator Cliff McCullom brought citizen journalist Whitney Scapecchi to the podium to ask a question.
"I make a post. I'm not happy with how the Commission has allocated funds to a certain project and I challenge you," Scapecchi said. "I mention you by name, what is your response?"
Henderson, an attorney, said he would address relevant issues on legal grounds.
Cox said that not all valid concerns can be backed up. When asked if he believed citizen journalists deserve a public response, he replied, "I believe a citizen journalist has a responsibility to report accurately."
Ball said he would refuse to get into a "Facebook battle," but he would reach out personally to concerned citizens.
Brock said he would not reply on social media but would encourage anyone concerned to address the Commission during the public input section of public meetings.
In closing, the candidates gave their last pitch to get people to the polls for the May 19 primary election.
"I believe that this is the closest thing we can do as citizens to affect our local government … and so, I want to serve you guys as a citizen and as a taxpayer," Dembowski said.
"I'm a product of Baldwin County, and I love this county," Brock said. "This campaign and this office is about the people of Baldwin County, and that's who I want to represent."
"I have knowledge and the understanding on how to do this job effectively," Ball said. "I don't need on-the-job training. I've been here for eight years, and I think somebody needs to stay in position to steady the ship and lead some of the new folks because it's going to take two years to learn how to be a commissioner. I know that for a fact."
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