News 12 at 6 o'clock, September 25, 2007

Augusta, GA---In a crowded field of six, two new candidates are making their voices heard:

"My name is Corey Johnson. I'm a local contractor and family man, and I think that my vision for the city and the district is my main concern."

"I'm Michael Meyers. I'm running for county commissioner in district two. I believe that I have the capability to get the job done, and I think that's exactly what we need in this district."

Each candidate is calling for a unified commission.

Michael Meyers says, "Part of what I believe is you can disagree without being disagreeable. And that can help move our city forward and get us back to where we need to be."

Melvin Ford says, "I think people are tired of this race thing, and I think that now we need people down here that are able to take and leave the race issue behind and come in the chambers and do what's right for everybody."

As for abstentions, Charlie Hannah says, "I'm gonna have to say I won't be the one to abstain because I feel that our people sent us to represent them...to represent an issue and not to duck and dodge the issue."

"I don't go along with that," says Willie Law. "I don't go along with being paid to sit down there in the meeting and deal with what's going on in my opinion that kinda tied with the racial thing. We just need to get past it and take care of the people's business."

Freddie Handy says, "Whether it's going your way or the other way you are not here to try to avoid the issue you are here to vote on the issue."

It is a sentiment echoed by one of the newcomers. Corey Johnson says, "We have to address the issues at hand and deal with them. We're not here to promote our own agenda but we are here to work for the city and constituents."

Now, the veterans.

"I'm Charlie Hanna, and I think the citizens of Augusta should support me as the next commissioner for the simple fact that I'm not new here. I've always been workin."

"My name is Willie Law. I would like people to vote for me because I'm accountable, I'm dependable, and I'm hardworking."

"My name is Melvin Ford, common sense and integrity is why we're running. Integrity is more than just ethics, it is a strict adherence to a set of principles that ensure success."

"I am Freddy Handy...the handy man. Every household needs a handy man."

This is just the beginning. We'll profile candidates in districts 4, 6, 8, and 10 in the coming weeks.