Staff photo by Jenna Walker/Chattanooga Times Free Press
Laurie Shipley answers a question as, from left, Mitch McClure, George Patten and Randall Price listen during the forum for the 11 candidates for the District 3 commission seat Monday evening at Hixson Middle School. The forum was hosted by Hamilton County Republican Women.County schools -- how to fund them and how to keep them safe -- dominated much of a Monday night forum for 11 people seeking the vacant District 3 commission seat.
The Hamilton County Republican Women sponsored the forum Monday night at Hixson Middle School, and the other county commissioners were on hand to hear the candidates' answers and see how they handled themselves.
Because of the number of candidates, there were only a few questions asked and the amount of time each candidate spent answering the questions soaked up most of the two hours allotted for the forum.
Commissioner Warren Mackey asked candidates how they would keep a tight budget while building new schools to accommodate the growing student population.
The District 3 candidates are:* Wayne Hamill* David Howell* Terry Conley* Gerald Haas* Laurie Shipley* Micheal Baskette* Randall "Randy" Price* Russell Collins* Mitch McClure* George Patten* Sean Rogers
Most of the candidates would not rule out a tax increase.
"Is it going to require a tax increase," candidate Mitch McClure asked. "I think that's the question people are going to want to hear an answer on."
McClure said the first thing to do would be to make county schools more efficient.
"I don't think throwing more money at the problem fixes the problem, but we need to look at efficiency," candidate David Howell said. "I definitely think we need to take care of the children."
Chairman Larry Henry asked the candidates their views on annexation and consolidation of city and county services.
"I am not in favor of annexation," said candidate Micheal Baskette. "I think we should always look for opportunities to consolidate services if it makes sense."
Candidate Wayne Hamill said he believes annexation is a "moot point" at this time. But the Red Bank public works director said he's in favor of consolidating services to make them more efficient.
Almost all of the questions came from county commissioners in attendance, though dozens in the community showed up to hear the candidates speak.
Henry said that wasn't intentional, though two residents attending the event approached a Chattanooga Times Free Press reporter and said they felt it was unfair.
"I don't think it was by design," Henry said. "I certainly didn't want to deprive anybody of doing that."
One resident, Mike Kirk, said commissioners likely have talked to all the candidates individually and said he was disappointed more residents didn't get to ask questions. By the time the forum ended at 9 p.m., many residents had gone home.
Hamilton County commissioners plan to fill the seat District 3 vacated by County Mayor Jim Coppinger on Thursday.
Follow Dan Whisenhunt on Twitter by following this link.