The 2012 Lee County Probate Judge Forum provided an inside look at the political opinions of the two candidates, Probate Judge Bill English and his challenger Jon Chase. The event was sponsored by the Patriots of Liberty Tea Party and took place at the Opelika Event Center.
Frank Dillman, coordinator of the Patriots of Liberty Tea Party, said he was looking forward to hearing from the candidates and seeing where they both stood on the Constitution.
"The probate judge in Lee County does the probate pudge job as well as the chairman of the county commission, so it's a very, very important position," Dillman said. "The county government is led by this chairman."
The forum began with an opening statement from each candidate expressing why he believed he is suited for the position.
The moderator, John Sophocleus, an economics instructor at Auburn, then read an assortment of questions compiled by the Patriots of Liberty Tea Party. They were presented to both candidates in a question-and-answer format with two minutes for answers and a 30-second rebuttal from the original respondent.
"I am a father, a husband, I am a small business owner, and I am concerned about government placing more regulations on small business owners," Chase said. "I would bring my small business mentality, my management and my people skills to both jobs: the probate office and the chairman of the county commission."
Chase explained his goal was to make sure all recorded documents are filed properly, maintained appropriately and stored safely. He wants to make sure deeds and mortgages are online for public use so that citizens can have around-the-clock access.
"All of this can do be done with little cost," he said. "As your chairman for the county commission I will focus on doing more with less."
English cited his experience as the current probate judge and commission chairman to garner support.
"My entire work experience has directed me here," English said. "I've served you for 11 years. Prior to that I served my predecessor for 17 years. I have 28 years knowing the ins and the outs of the job which we seek today. If I have earned your support in the manner of which I have performed the job I would appreciate your vote."
Audience members were able to submit their own questions during an intermission. Although both candidates are Republicans, their opinions differed on issues such as Agenda 21, which is a United Nations action plan for sustainable development, and home rule, or the power of local governments to run their own affairs.
Chase said he was divided on the issue of home rule, while English said he was for it.
"I think local decisions are best made locally," English said. "Our constitution in 1901 was written to preserve that power in Montgomery, and not distribute it to the governments of the counties. We are created by the legislature. We serve at their will and at their whim."
The forum ended with each candidate asking the other a question they had previously prepared, followed by a closing statement.
English said he was very pleased with the forum, adding that the more exposure both candidates received the more informed voters would be.
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