Watson takes county commission district 7 race

Written By: Jonathan Cribbs
7/21/10
Categorized in: DeKalb News, Politics

Watson addresses the crowd at a forum in the DeKalb History Center.. Photo by Travis Hudgons

Former state representative Stan Watson easily defeated three other candidates in the race for the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners’ district 7 seat.

Watson won 68 percent of the July 20 vote, according to preliminary county results. Kathryn Rice, a college instructor, trailed in second with 23.4 percent. Tierney Grier, head of a nonprofit, earned 3.7 percent and Bryce Evan Farbstein, an attorney, won 4.6 percent of the vote.

Watson was the only candidate with significant political experience – a key factor in his win, said Natalie Knight, his campaign manager.

“The DeKalb residents wanted someone who had experience working for them,” she said as election results poured in.

The commissioner’s seat opened this year because sitting Commissioner Connie Stokes – a former state senator – elected to run for Hank Johnson’s fourth congressional seat. Johnson avoided a runoff in that race, and Stokes came in third behind former county CEO Vernon Jones.

About 32,540 residents cast votes in the election. Across the county in a panoply of state and federal races, about 23 percent of the county’s 347,000 voters cast ballots, according to preliminary results.

“The people of DeKalb County have spoken,” Watson said in a statement through Knight. “They wanted a proven, effective and experienced leader who cares about the quality of life. I am committed to the citizens of DeKalb County. I’m committed to more jobs for DeKalb residents. I’m committed to small businesses, and I’m committed to a better education. I’m committed to safe, clean communities. I am ready to work for a better DeKalb County.”

Comments (3)

Jerry Myer Jackson Jr

Said this on 7/29/10 At 01:18 pm

When Emperor Ellis was a County Commissioner he began running for CEO long before the others by touting his movements in Mass Mailings all over the County ~ Not just his District. I knew with these mailings that he was preparing to run. And now look at what we have for a CEO ~ A complete disaster ! And Yes DeKalb Residents do send the "same ole dummies" back into office. However Stan Watson, I hope and Pray will bring back some Stability and Leadership to the Board of Commissaioners. The removal of Larry Johnson as Presiding Officer would be a Great First Step and long overdue ! District Three in DeKalb County which Larry Johnson misrepresents is the Murder Capitol of DeKalb County ! Thank You Commissioner Larry Johnson for nuthin !

formerlyofdekalb

Said this on 7/24/10 At 09:06 pm

It is sad that the people of DeKalb County keep electing the same tired leaders yet expect different results. Mr. Watson showed his lack of political savvy while running for DeKalb County CEO. Now my sources tell me he plans to lobby the legislature to get rid of that very position, probably so he can then become President of the County Commissioners and ultimately wield the same power he would have had as CEO.

Chester

Said this on 7/21/10 At 11:40 pm

Yes, and look at his past political experience. Not so great. Really good level-headed candidates who ran against him who would have been fair and rationale. Instead, the same voters elect him who have elected such notables as Barbara Mobley who spends her time at resort locations out of the country at taxpayer expense to supposedly learn about Georgia law. It's all rather very disgusting.

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