Forsyth Tea Party Hosts County Commission Debate

The second debate of the political season in Forsyth County takes place Monday sponsored by the Forsyth County Tea Party (FCTP).

There are three incumbents and five challengers running for county commission seats in three districts. Voters will choose their candidate in the July 31 primary.

"Everyone is confirmed to be there except Brian Tam," said Steve Voshall chairman of the FCTP.

Tam did say that he might not be able to attend the debate due to a conflict, according to Voshall.

Voshall went on to say that Tam would be the first candidate from Forsyth County not to attend a tea party debate in two years.

"I think if you're going to be in public office and your being challenged by somebody, and a citizens group has a debate to get information out to the voters, you owe it to the voters and your constituents to attend a debate," he said.

"This is not going to be an attack on Brian Tam or anyone else that night," said Voshall. "We're going to ask a lot of the same questions to everyone."

In District 2, which covers a portion of south Forsyth, the race is between and

In District 4, which covers a good area of north Forsyth, the candidates running include , Tim Hubbard, and .

In District 5, which covers much of east Forsyth, faces .

Monday's two-hour debate is expected to be conducted in the same manner similar to last month's sheriff's debate, but will be held in a larger venue.

Due to limited space during the sheriff's debate, which was standing-room only, the debate will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the commissioner's meeting room located on the second floor at the Forsyth County Administration Building.

"I would not be surprised to see that room packed, because all these candidates are bringing supporters," said Voshall.

Voshall expects about 300 people will be attending.

Each candidate will have two minutes for opening and closing statements, and two minutes to answer questions. The candidates will not be receiving questions ahead of time, as in the sheriff's debate, but rather will hear questions for the first time from the audience.

The tea party also invites the public to send questions through its Facebook page to be considered for the debate.