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DAILEY -- The two Democrats running for the Randolph County Commission took part in a Candidate Forum Wednesday evening at the Homestead Community and Event Center.
The Randolph County Democratic Women's Club hosted the event, which was open to any candidates running in the May 10 primary election.
Carol Cain Bush and Bob Jones, Democratic candidates for the commission, both attended the event.
The two will face off in the primary. Republican Cris Siler, who was appointed to the Randolph County Commission in November to replace Mark Scott, is unopposed in the primary. He will meet the Democratic nominee in the fall election.
Cain Bush, who previously served two terms on the Randolph County Board of Education and is currently president of the Youth Health Services Board of Directors, talked about how proud she was to have raised all four of her children in Randolph County.
"I have an extensive background in education, community outreach, grant writing, program development and project management," she said. "I'm a hard worker and a true community minded person.
"I believe I'm well-prepared for the challenges facing Randolph County. I would like to apply all that I have learned over the years and put it in one place, and I believe Randolph County Commission is that place. So I hope you will support me with your vote on May 10th."
Jones, who is currently the municipal judge for the City of Elkins, spoke about how proud he was to be a lifelong resident of the county, and how he wanted to bring the county commission back to the people.
"I am an open-minded thinker. I will gather information on a subject, I will ask for input from the constituents, and from that I will make my decisions on what I think is best for the whole county," he said. "My goal is to bring the people back to the county commission, or the county commission back to the people. Right now we have two meetings a month that are during the day where the working-class person cannot attend because they're at work. So we need to have at least one of those meetings a month in the evening.
"I am going to be a full-time commissioner and I plan on going out in the community and talking to people of the community. I also plan on taking one Saturday a month and being at the commission office where people can come in and talk to me about their problems."
Cain Bush and Jones spoke and joked with each other during the gathering. Each commented on how long they have been acquainted and how much respect they have for one another.
Both candidates noted they have a lot in common, including an extensive background in education. Each has a history of serving on prominent boards and committees, which both agree will be an asset if elected to the commission.
Early voting is underway in Randolph County and will run until May 7. Those wishing to cast their votes early can do so either at the Wees Annex on Randolph Avenue in Elkins, or at the Russell Memorial Public Library in Mill Creek.
The early voting scheduled is Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., through May 7.