Editor:

I would have to wholeheartedly agree with David Cranshaw's column on the Warner Robin's mayor race.

I had the opportunity to listen to the candidates during the campaign and below are my observations.

I would also mention the meeting held by the local Democratic Party was a pathetic display of political ignorance. No questions were allowed by the public therefore, only the proverbial boring, "soft ball" questions were asked of the candidates such as, "Why do you want to be....?"

It appeared obvious the moderator seemed far more interested in his appearance as a "cutsie" personality than providing an informative political display of the candidates.

- SHAHEEN

A typical "empty suit" political campaign, i.e, "I'll promise

anything if you'll vote for me." Obviously, Shaheen knows little or nothing about the nuts and bolts of city government. Simple questions about finances and city departments were met

with unspecific general answers. Many promises were made about such losers as a city transit system simply to placate the whining of a small minority. His vision for the city's future was a plethora of "touchy-feely" promises while displaying he was totally out of touch with the present economy. No doubt Shaheen would surely bring about a significant increase in local taxes.

- HOLMES

Holmes seemed totally focused on such items as the North Davis area and greater diversity in the police department. His attention was clearly focused on improving the lot of minorities. He also did not mention even one of the city's needs to improve the economy or any plan to lead into the future. He was supportive of a strong military affiliation.

- CHALK

Chalk was the only candidate who had obviously studied the finances and infrastructure of local government. Being an ex-Air Force officer was keenly aware of the importance of Warner Robins Air Force base to the local economy. He carried a lot of paper work around with him and was able to converse intelligently about various city departments and functions.

He quickly convinced me that his knowledge, his skill and

his downright honest preparatory effort made him by far the best candidate to lead the city's future.

Frankly, I would like to know even more about the candidates. I moved here from Florida approximately three years ago and hosted numerous events in radio and television, which included interviewing many candidates for local, state and federal office.

BILL DAVISON

Warner Robins

Filling the leadership void

Editor:

Because our state government in Atlanta is almost broke my county property taxes went up $200. The annual state subsidy to my county government could not be given. But I think that Houston County Commission Chairman Ned Sanders does such an excellent job that he should run for governor or Mayor of Warner Robins!

Under Ned's leadership we shall soon have a new county library in Centerville costing $3.2 million. The state will contribute $2 million and mostly local SPLOST funds will pay the remainder.

Our county schools received almost $7 million in federal Stimulus funds to prevent teacher layoffs. Houston County schools are known for their academic excellence. Parents actually move here so that their children can attend our excellent public schools.

Our county government provides excellent services to all our citizens. We don't appear to have any of the numerous problems of our neighboring governments in Bibb County. The overpowering presence of RAFB distorts any meaningful comparison. My city property taxes usually go down annually.

I believe that Ned Sanders would not want to be our mayor-a demotion- but he would make a great Republican governor!

FRANK W. GADBOIS

Warner Robins