James, Alexander to vie for Justice of the Peace in Nov.

Four Justice of the Peace candidates put their name on the ballot, but only the two who received the most numbers of votes will go on to compete in the general election. Wanda James and Muriah Alexander will vie for the nonpartisan position in November.

On Tuesday, James led the field with 637 votes, 377 votes ahead from second-place runner Alexander, who received 260 of the votes. It was a narrow victory for Alexander, who came in second a mere 11 votes ahead of candidate Mark Farris. James received 51 percent of the votes in the race, while Alexander received 21 percent of the votes. Lorene Galford McCoy received 60 of the votes.

"I'm excited about (making it)," Alexander said. "I'm happy that people believed in me. I felt positive going into it."

James also expressed gratitude for the voters' decision. She said she felt that it was a good, clean race with minimal "mud-slinging."

"I'm just thrilled," James said. "I'm joyful. It's hard work when you have three opponents and they're all also working hard at it. It was a hard race, but it was a good race."

With the large amounts of votes, incumbent James felt that it showed that the public is behind her as a candidate.

"I think that the public still supports me and I have their trust and that they want experience," James said.

Alexander wasn't discouraged by the gap between her and James.

"I knew that we had strong competition all the way around," Alexander said. "I'm happy the voters selected me and wanted me up there."

As the candidates move into the months ahead and stride toward the general elections in November both said they have some goals they want to continue to focus on. James said that she wants individuals to know that she intends to remain transparent and continue to focus on the similar things that she has since she began campaigning.

"If anybody has anything that has been done in justice court, I'm very transparent. I'm happy to explain anything that's taken place even if it's negative. This is a public court and it's all out there," James said. "I'm happy to answer any criticism someone has with the office."

Alexander said that she plans to really get out and talk to the voters about the not only the responsibility of voting, but who she is and what she stands for.

"I think the main goal is to get out there and talk to every voter; for everyone to get involved. I want to be able to talk also to those who aren't voters and encourage them to be voters," Alexander said. "And to let people know who I am and some of the things I stand for."

Both of the candidates said that they want to engage in more forums leading up to the election. James praised the sheriff forum that was held in Deborgia, which allowed the audience to ask questions. She said she'd also like to see more of a debate styled forum as well.

"It was fabulous. After they all answered a few simple questions, then they had to answer questions from the audience. And it was more indicative of what people want and care about," James said. "I would gladly be willing to debate any issue."

Alexander agreed.

"I think debates are the most important things in the campaign," Alexander said. "And it needs to be an event where poignant questions are asked from the individuals. This is about what the people of this county want and what their needs and concerns are."