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PACE 6A THE BANKS COUNTY NEWS WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2008 No opposition for Banks County judges Two of the three Superior Court judges who represent Banks County will serve another term after they were the only candidates to qualify. Superior Court judges David Motes and Joe Booth will serve another term. Long-time Superior Court judge Robert Adamson is not seeking re-election. Currie Mingledorff is was the only one to qualify for Adamson's seat. “I am excited and eager to begin doing the important work this office requires,” Mingledorff said. “I believe entering this position without an opponent is a clear statement that residents approved of my qualifica tions. Now it's time to get busy and get to work for them.” A former county attorney for Barrow, Mingledorff has over 21 years of legal experience. He has also worked with organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and The Tree House - a non profit organization supporting families and serving abused children in the Piedmont Judicial Circuit. Mingledorff and his wife of 26 years, ViAnn, have many long-time connections with Jackson County through ViAnn's family. Her father, the late Doyle Johnson, operated a dairy farm on Hwy. 334 during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Mingledorffs have been married for 26 years. BCES investigation ... continued from page 1A Chairman candidates discuss priorities BY CHRIS BRIDGES With the primary election rapidly approaching, Banks County Board of Commissioner Chairman candi dates Gene Hart and Milton Dalton had the opportunity to once again address voters during a forum last Friday. The forum, sponsored by the Banks County Republication Party, was held at the Banks County Parks and Recreation Department. Hart, the incumbent, said being chairman the last three and a half years has been ‘‘a challenge.” The current chairman said when he took office that tax notices were not going out on time but that they are now. “We have had three budgets approved during my time as chair man and not had one tax increase,” Hart said. In looking ahead, Hart said the county needs jobs to make sure local BY CHRIS BRIDGES The two challengers in the District 50 State Senate Republican Primary stumped for votes in Banks County Friday night. Jim Butterworth and Terry Rogers, both of Habersham County, took part in a forum hosted by the Banks County Republican Party. The event was held at the Banks County Parks and Recreation Department. Incumbent Nancy Schaefer, who has held the office for two terms, was not at the event last Friday night. Butterworth first asked those in residents “have something to look forward to.” The current commissioners are also committed to expansion of the county water system, Hart said, not ing they are getting prepared for growth not just in housing but in industry. Hart also noted a $5 million grant for water products the county has secured recently with the help of several people. Challenger Dalton said he has 20 years of experience as a business owner as well as time working for the Banks County Sheriff's Office and 21 years as county probate judge. Dalton said he would have an “open door” policy as chairman and would develop an advisory commit tee of 6-8 citizens from all areas of the county which would meet every two to three months. “Water is one of our most pre attendance to pray for him and said his campaign was based on “faith, vision and values.” Butterworth said he will work to lower taxes and to improve water infrastructure. The key issues in the race, Butterworth said, were education, water and tax reform. Rogers said he is a conserva tive Christian, pro-life, pro-second amendment, pro-family and for less government. “I am a Ronald Reagan conserva tive,” Rogers said. “The scariest thing you can hear is ‘I'm from the cious commodities,” Dalton said. “We need new industry so our chil dren will not have to look elsewhere for work.” Both candidates were asked if the budget could not be met if they would raise taxes or cut down on the county workforce. Hart said he would look at every avenue to cut back where he could although he noted the county work force was not that big. “Salary cuts do not make that big of a difference,” Hart said. “We would have to cut back on services if we couldn’t raise taxes.” Dalton said he hoped a budget could always be met saying there were always some areas that could be downsized. “Most offices are working with a minimum number of people so it would be tough,” Dalton said. “I guess there is always room for improvement.” government and I’m here to help.’” Education, water, health care and job opportunities were key issues in the campaign for the district, Rogers said. “Politics as usual is not working,” he said. “I have 30 years of busi ness experience and believe that can make a difference.” Rogers also stressed the importance of protecting the borders against illegal aliens. It is also important to make it easier for employers to be able to check potential works to see if they are in this country legally, the candidate said. “We are certain we will have ques tions,” Caudell said. “We are hope ful someone will have answers.” Michael Daniel, representing Rylee in the ongoing investigation, said the results clear the veteran educator and the test results should “put this to bed.” While Daniel said no action has taken place concerning Rylee’s reinstatement he hoped something would happen soon. “We need to get everyone back to educating students,” Daniel said. Banks County superintendent Chris Erwin was out of town this week but said last Thursday that he expected action on Rylee’s status by late this month. Several parents of fifth grade male students at BCES have asked that Rylee be terminated from her position within the school system. Several teachers at BCES have expressed their support for the assis tant principal. The parents contend after Rylee made the students drink from the water fountain she told them not to talk of the incident and threatened them with contact of law enforce ment and Department of Family and Children Services. Call 706-677-3491 to subscribe to The Banks County News today! Your #1 Local News Source Do you or someone you know have Rheumatoid Arthritis? If so, and you are male or female at least 18 years of age and have been diagnosed with RA for at least 1 year, you may qualify for a research study using an investigational medication for RA. If you qualify, you will receive at no cost: Study medication Physical exams Lab Tests Modest compensation for time and travel To find out if you qualify, call CARE today at (770) 534-5154 or visit our website at www.uochs.org. State senate challengers address local voters > KStfiHS >C r'c v ' < / y > , v o " dj V-JA. . If It Runs You Can Put It In The Mud! If You Get Stuck, We Have You Out In 15 Minutes Or Your Day Is Free! 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