Saxon said he plans to defend BOC seat
Oglethorpe County’s judicial incumbents plan to defend their positions in this year’s election.
Kelli Paradise Smith, the clerk of superior clerk, Megan Coile, the chief magistrate judge, and Kayla Grier, the probate judge, all told The Oglethorpe Echo that they plan to run again.
“I love my job, and I have enjoyed being able to serve the citizens of the county,” said Grier, who is seeking her third term. “This position has allowed me the opportunity to meet so many people I may never have come in contact with. It has always been my desire to serve, and I have been blessed to be able to serve in this position.”
Smith is in her 16th year.
“(I’m) planning on serving the wonderful constituents of this beautiful county for another four years,” she said.
Coile will seek her second term.
“Things are going so well with the magistrate currently, and better things are on the way every day,” she said.
Andy Saxon, who is the District 2 representative on the Board of Commissioners, said he’ll run again. And all three Board of Education incumbents up for reelection — Guillermo Camacho, Tim Poole and Jake Willcox — confirmed they’re running again.
Qualifying for county offices in this year’s election will start at 9 a.m. Monday, March 4 and go through noon, Friday, March 9 at the Oglethorpe County Board of Elections and Registration.
The general primary is scheduled for May 21.
The position of coroner is also on the ballot. James “Junior” Jackson, the current coroner, is running for sheriff.
In Lexington, Jennifer Whitlock filled the Post 1 spot, leaving the city council short one person, so the city will hold a special election for the Post 4 seat on May 21, city clerk Kim Bradford said.
Qualifying for the office begins on Monday, March 4 and continues through March 6 at Lexington City Hall. Candidates need to be 21 years old, live in Lexington and be a registered voter.
Whitlock joined Ronnie Boggs, Jill Severn and Cory Clayton on the council.