6 candidates vying for 3 Rome seats
The top three vote-getters in the Rome City Commission race will take office in January.
Six candidates — three incumbents and three challengers — are vying for the three open Ward 2 seats on the Rome City Commission.
The election on Nov. 7 is open to all city residents registered by Oct. 10. They’ll be able to choose up to three candidates on the ballot, with the top three vote-getters taking their seats Jan. 1, 2018.
The race is nonpartisan and terms are for four years.
Wendy Davis is finishing her first term after coming in second in the 2013 election that drew four candidates. The Berry College graduate is a political strategist who’s placed a heavy emphasis on using social media and other online tech tools to keep in touch with constituents.
“Too often voters overlook these important local elections, but I intend to keep trying to find new ways to get people involved,” Davis said.
Jamie Doss has served as the city’s mayor for the past four years. He’s finishing up his sixth four-year term. Doss, an Ameritech financial advisor whose office in South Rome was an early participant in revitalization efforts there, touts collaborative efforts.
“The continued progress of our community requires teamwork, stewardship and leadership. As an elected official, these are values I hold in high regard,” said.
Sue Hamler Lee, a retired educator, was elected in 2009 and is finishing her eighth year on the board. A native Roman and the daughter of former city manager Bruce Hamler, she was the first to announce her candidacy for a third term.
“So many important changes have been made in our community during my terms and I would be honored to continue to be a part of the amazing future of your great city,” Lee said
Bill Kerestes is a semiretired business consultant. The political newcomer chairs the South Rome Redevelopment Agency and is a strong supporter of the Pur- pose-Built Community initiative that focuses on strengthening families in depressed neighborhoods.
“When people feel they have a firm foundation, it’s the first step to revitalizing their economies and communities,” Kerestes said.
Randy Quick, a longtime local radio broadcaster, is now an executive of Rome Radio Partners LLC. He’s chaired the Rome Floyd Chamber and the Rome-Floyd Economic Development Authority and is the past-president of the Rotary Club of Rome.
“I am ready … to help find ways to better the future of our children and grandchildren, while preserving the rich foundation we all cherish,” Quick said.
Monica Sheppard is a freelance graphic designer and beekeeper. She said her campaign slogan, “Building community together,” is inspired by how bees work together and she wants to be part of the dynamic things happening in Rome right now.
“What I love most are the folks who are thinking outside of the box, finding their niche, and creating careers and businesses with the wonderful resources we have,” Sheppard said.