Candidates at the forum: County commissioner Mike Kemp, school board candidate June Davis, candidate for superintendent of schools Rick Myhre, school board candidates Angie Nichols and Camden Smit, county commission candidate Valerie Russell, superintendent candidate Matt Payne, school board member Josh Brown, and property appraiser candidate Donnie Sparkman. Sheriff Jared Miller had to leave before the photo was taken.

By LYNDA KINSEY
Staff

The Wakulla Republican Party held a candidate forum at the community center on Thursday, Aug. 8.
Most candidates attended and were given 5 minutes to introduce themselves and talk about why they’re running – and then took some questions from the audience.
Mike Watkins, chair of the local GOP, was the moderator of the event, and candidates spoke in order as listed on the ballot.
Watkins reminded the audience how difficult it is for some to come forward and speak in public and commended the candidates for their willingness to serve and come forward in this manner.
Three candidates did not attend the forum: sheriff’s candidate Army Reyes, candidate for superintendent of schools Ricky Strickland, andProperty Appraiser Ed Brimner (who dropped out of the race the next day)
Video of the event is posted on Wakulla County Republican Party’s Facebook page. Each candidate is posted separately with about a 10 minute segment for each.

Mike Watkins, chair of the local party, was moderator at the forum.
The crowd at the forum.