Meeting the candidates; a look at Albany’s Ward 4 commission race

ALBANY, Ga. – Albany’s Ward 4 has three people vying for the commission seat. We caught up with all three candidates about their vision for the Southwest District.

After winning the seat in 2019, Commissioner Chad Warbington is seeking re-election…

And, he believes it’s been a successful four years in office.

“We have not had to increase taxes, have not had to increase electricity or utility rates. So to be able to do all that and have a balanced budget and not impact taxes and fees for citizens, I think that’s outstanding and that kind of fiscal responsibility is what I want to continue,” said Chad Warbington, Ward 4 Commissioner, City of Albany.

The incumbent commissioner has some competition for the seat though.

Two more people are running for the commission seat…

First is long time local campaign manager, Marion Gaines-Jones, running for the first time, with an emphasis on coming through on promises.

“My platform is to serve the people of Ward 4. I’m not a politician who promises everything and gives nothing. I am a servant, and I am here to serve the people,” said Marion Gaines-Jones, Ward 4 candidate.

The third candidate is retired medical professional, Larry Harris, who plans on being a “full time commissioner” should he win the seat.

“The city commissioner job is a full-time job. It’s not really a part-time job. That’s what most city commissioners have been. But, when you’re handling millions and millions of dollars, I feel being a full-time city commissioner is the only way…” said Larry Harris, Ward 4 candidate.

And, when it comes to the first point of business when they take that seat, each wants to look at something different to start.

“…Our technology, we need to make sure that our technology that we’ve installed in our city is making a difference in terms of crime, in terms of police calls for service. So really public safety would be the first issue I would continue to focus on after re-election,” said Chad Warbington, Ward 4 Commissioner, City of Albany.

“We want to talk about and focus on housing, economic development, we want to focus on crime and safety here in Albany, Georgia. Those would be three of the biggest things we focus on with the other commissioners and whatever projects they have going…” said Marion Gaines-Jones, Ward 4 candidate.

“I want to look into getting businesses started, I want to help our businesses grow, the ones that we have here. Keep them from leaving. And I think I can offer to the businesses, the city’s help…” said Larry Harris, Ward 4 candidate.

With all three candidates having their visions for bridging the gap in the Good Life City, they know there’s going to be a lot to discuss when they take the seat on the commission.

And, to stay up to date with the current Albany elections you can take a look at who’s running on our website, CBS44TV.com.

Brian Roche reporting.

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