Candidates for Overton County Executive will participate in a public forum Thursday to discuss their visions for the future of the county.
Independent candidate Ben Danner said the event provides a necessary opportunity for voters to evaluate the knowledge and qualifications of those seeking office.
“It’s really important to see no matter what party anybody’s running for, that they know about the job because this is a, you know, Overton County’s a multi-million dollar business and it takes somebody that knows what they’re doing to run it,” Danner said. “And the past four years has showed that someone that doesn’t know anything about it is not going to succeed.”
Republican nominee Austin Dodson said the forum allows citizens to hear directly from candidates about their values and specific views regarding the executive role. Dodson said the event will feature nine prepared questions along with inquiries submitted by the public.
“Our voters need a voice in Overton County and they need to hear what the next upcoming leadership, what’s their values and their views coming into this role as County Executive,” Dodson said. “And it’s very important that we hold our local leaders accountable and know what vision they have for the future of Overton County.”
Candidate Randall Stockton said the forum serves as a platform to reach the residents of Overton County whom he may not have met personally during the campaign. Stockton said he currently balances his campaign with a full-time job, fire department service and various committee commitments, making it difficult to connect with everyone.
“I want people to hear me,” Stockton said. “23,000 people in Overton County, it’s hard to get around to everybody in such a short time and the people I don’t get around to hopefully will see this.”
Danner said the forum is being organized by the Civic and Garden Club and will be held at the Overton County Chamber of Commerce. Danner said the format differs from a traditional debate because candidates will answer questions directly without the opportunity to rebut the statements of their opponents.
“I myself personally, I would have rather them not even told us any of the questions and went ahead and just asked that night because I know as county executive, when you’re out on the street and somebody asks you about something going on, I mean, you don’t have time to go look it up or have somebody help you come up with an answer,” Danner said. “So you need to know what’s going on.”
Dodson said the ground rules for the event prohibit personal questions or character attacks between the participants. Dodson said he intends to provide unscripted answers to demonstrate his readiness to lead the county.
“What is most important is that the next County Executive is willing to be honest and tell the people, you may not know every answer, but you’re willing to seek and search to find the answer that will best reflect the values of people that live in Overton County,” Dodson said.
Stockton said the questions expected at the forum will be tough, but fair, covering essential local topics like taxes. Stockton said he recently sold his family farm to demonstrate his total dedication to the county and the executive position.
“I’m not married and don’t have kids, so this is my life,” Stockton said. “Overton County will be everything that I’ve got.”
The forum is scheduled to take place at the Overton County Chamber of Commerce Thursday beginning at 6pm.
