BUCKINGHAM – With the November 8 election just a month away, voters have an opportunity on Saturday, October 8, to hear, first hand, from candidates running for local office in Buckingham.

As it has in the past, the Buckingham County Farm Bureau is hosting a candidates' forum, which is scheduled for 7 p.m., in the gymnasium at Buckingham County Middle School.

According to Henry Wood, president, the Farm Bureau, due to time constraints of the forum, invited only those candidates who are in contested races.

Wood explained that the format would include three to five minutes for candidates vying for sheriff and commissioner of the revenue; and, the District 4 seat on the school board.

During their allotted time, those candidates will be able to share their platforms with the audience.

For board of supervisor candidates, the Farm Bureau is compiling a list of four or five questions on relevant issues facing the county. However, Wood said due to time limitations only three or four questions will be posed to those candidates.

Constitutional Offices

E. M. Wright, Jr. is running as an independent and is unopposed in his bid for re-election as commonwealth's attorney. Likewise, Christy L. Christian, who is running as a Democrat, is unopposed in her bid for re-election as treasurer.

In contested races, incumbent Stephanie L. Midkiff, running as a Democrat, is being challenged for the office of commissioner of the revenue by RoShelle L. “Rocky” Harris, an independent candidate.

Four candidates are in the race for sheriff. Incumbent William G. “Billy” Kidd, an independent candidate, faces challengers William H. “Bill” Merritt, independent; James E. Tyree, independent; and Gerald K. Washington, Democrat.

School Board

Only one school board member, Russell P. “Pete” Gowin is facing opposition. Gowin, who represents District 4, Maysville Precinct, is facing challengers John D. Kitchen, Jr. and Walter E. “Wes” Saxon, Jr.

School board incumbents running unopposed are David Christian, District 1, Georgia Creek and New Canton precincts; Kathy F. “Sis” Midkiff, District 2, White Hall; H. Ed Wise, Jr., District 3, Curdsville and New Store; Sherry S. Ragland, District 5, Glenmore and Wrights precincts; T. W. “Hut” Hutcherson, Jr., District 6, Slate River; and F. Acie Allen, District 7, Gold Hill Precinct.

Board of Supervisors

Two incumbents on the board of supervisors are running unopposed-Joe N. Chambers, Jr., a Democrat who represents District 6, Slate River Precinct; and Danny R. Allen, an independent representing District 7, Gold Hill Precinct.

Donald E. “Donnie” Bryan is the only candidate seeking to fill the seat representing District 2, White Hall Precinct. Currently, Danny LeSueur represents that district but he is not seeking re-election.

Incumbent I. Monroe Snoddy, an independent who represents District 1, New Canton and Georgia Creek precincts, is facing challenger Robert C. “Bobby” Jones, a former supervisor who is also running as an independent

In District 3, New Store and Curdsville precincts, Pete R. Kapuscinski is challenging incumbent E. A. “Bill” Talbert. Both are running as independents.

District 4, Maysville Precinct, has three independent candidates vying for the seat currently occupied by John D. Kitchen, who decided to run for the school board. Seeking that seat are E. Morgan Dunnavant, Henry P. “Hank” Hagenau, and John N. Staton.

Another three-way race is underway for District 5, Glenmore and Wrights precincts. Seeking the seat that will be vacated by Brian Bates, are Robert L. “Fooey” Anderson, Joyce Kidd Smith, and Cassandra L. Stish. All three are running as independents.

Be Informed

Wood shared that thus far only one of candidate has said he would be unable to attend. That candidate is running for the District 4 seat on the school board.

He reiterated that the Farm Bureau only extended the invitation to participate in the forum to candidates seeking contested seats.

Wood offered that the Farm Bureau is hosting the forum so that voters can become more informed about the candidates before they go to the polls on November 8.

“This is an opportunity for the public to hear the positions of the various candidates,” concluded Wood.