COBB COUNTY

County Commission District 1 Republican primary.

Bob Weatherford (I), 68, is a retired law enforcement officer with experience in business development. Weatherford said his main reason for running is to “get the budget back on track.”

Melissa O’Brien, 50, has a background in media consulting and works as a substitute teacher. Her campaign is built on promising to balance the budget and adhere to the Land Use Plan.

Keli Gambrill, 49, is a accountant and business consultant. She is running on her background as a neighborhood zoning advocate with plans to fix the budget.

Forrest Shealy, 56, an attorney and former prosecutor, is running to “reestablish confidence and trust in Cobb County governance” and has called for greater communication.

District 3 Republican primary.

Joann Birrell (I), 64, was a community relations manager prior to taking office. She says her top issues are public safety and keeping taxes low.

Tom Cheek, 57, account manager, is running on the promise of getting the county finances back and reforming county spending.

District 3 Democrat primary.

Jim Smith, 68, a retired Cobb Water System employee, says his years working for the county give him insight into how to manage county operations and the budget. He has also been involved with zoning through the Canton Road Neighbors organization.

Caroline Holko, 44, a homeschool educator and activist, is running to expand transit and keep libraries open. She has called for a millage rate increase to support what she calls Cobb’s excellent level of service.

School Board Post 2 Democrat primary

Jaha Howard, 37, a pediatric dentist, is running as a “bridge builder” who can improve communication between the community, the school board and the county.

Angelia Pressley, 53, an advertising and PR professional, said she has a plan to address insufficient resources and boost parental and community involvment.