THE POLITICAL SEASON was off to a hot start at the first political forum held at the Republican headquarters May 31 when a crowd of 275 turned out to hear the debates.

Not only did the candidates for sheriff, incumbent Sheriff Roger Garrison and challenger David Waters, get the crowd fired up as they volleyed questions and answers back and forth, but the air conditioning was stretched to the limit by the number in attendance.

Doors ended up being opened to allow for the spill-over crowd and to attempt to cool things off.

A number of elected officials not up for re-election this cycle including County Commission Chair Buzz Ahrens and Commissioner Harry Johnston, as well as Commissioner Karen Bosch who is not seeking re-election, were in the crowd.

With Commissioner Jim Hubbard in attendance also, that definitely constituted a forum of the five-member board.

State Sen. Barry Loudermilk, (R-Cassville) attended the debates and stood along the back wall with the others who couldn’t get a seat. Loudermilk picked up a considerable portion of Cherokee County for the first time under the new redistricting maps.

Moderator Jeff Duncan did a good job of keeping the crowd quiet and under control in a positive manner.

The Young Republicans were selling refreshments and had to move out on the sidewalk to make way for the crowd, but no one was complaining.

By Monday night’s debate, the Republican Party officials who are putting on the series of forums had things cooled off for those in attendance.

The next debate is set for next Monday night at the Cherokee GOP headquarters on Towne Lake Parkway.

Squaring off will be candidates for State House Districts 20 and 21. In District 20 incumbent Rep. Charlice Byrd (R-Woodstock) meets second-time challenger Michael Caldwell and District 21 Rep. Sean Jerguson (R-Holly Springs) faces off with challenger Scot Turner in what promises to be an interesting evening. The debates start at 7 p.m.

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CAMPAIGN EVENTS: For those who are supporting Byrd’s re-election bid, a number of opportunities to show support are coming up. Owner of Center Cut Catering Doug Foley is rolling out the red carpet for the candidate at his home in Woodstock on June 14, which happens to be Flag Day, with a patriotic-themed fundraiser.

And those gun advocates who like to shoot can turn out June 21 for an event at the firing range of fellow legislator Jerguson for another event to raise funds which has the support of Pied Piper Pest Control guru and political junkie Steve Sandridge.

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A MISSED ROTARY CLUB MEETING make-up for members doesn’t have to be boring anymore. Towne Lake Rotarian and United Way Development Officer Carley Jacobs is inviting fellow Rotarians to a Margarita Make-up at Pur Taqueria in Woodstock Friday at 4 p.m. for a short business meeting and a chance to network on the restaurant’s popular Roof Bar. Those attending are responsible for their own drinks. The make-up opportunity might become a regular monthly event.

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“Around Cherokee” is compiled by Rebecca Johnston and the editorial staff of the Cherokee Tribune.