GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – The Gilmer Chamber will be hosting the first candidate forum for the 2022 elections in the county. Hosting candidates from the Post 2 Commissioner race and the Board of Education races, the forum is set to cover all challenged races.

Beginning at 6:00 p.m., the event will be held at the Piedmont Community Center on Industrial Boulevard on April 11, 2022. According to the Chamber’s website, Steve Purvis will be moderating the candidates forum. Qualifying for these local elections ended on March 11, 2022.

While the Board of Commissioners Chairman position saw only the incumbent qualify, the Post Commissioner Candidates will be on hand for a meet and greet at the event. The candidates include Gary Engel. John Marshall, and Tom Whatley.

Both Board of Education positions saw opposition in qualifying. Board of Education Post 4 saw the Incumbent Michael Bramlett and Michele Penland qualify as candidates. Board of Education Post 5 did not have the incumbent qualify, but instead saw Jacob Callihan and Sam Snider qualify as candidates.

According to the chamber, this moderated forum will see candidates answering questions about their thoughts and stances on issues that impact the workforce and business in Gilmer County. The Chamber in the encouragement and progress of business and industry in the county. They also works alongside the Greater Gilmer JDA (Joint Development Authority) in their efforts to continue economic development within the county.

A major issue in the county that has risen further over the last two years, workforce housing centralizes as a topic many citizens are looking to explore. Staffing issues have also risen in the area as the state as a whole continues recovering from the pandemic and other political issues.

The forum is open to the public for all citizens to come and listen to the proceedings as each candidate will be given time to speak.