Contributed photo / Shane DayTuesday is Election Day in Whitfield County, Georgia, as Shane Day and John Thomas will face off in a runoff election for an open seat on the Whitfield County Commission after the two candidates received 29.4% and 27%, respectively, in March's general election.
Five people had filed to run for the open seat in District 3. Roger Crossen, the former District 3 commissioner, died in November 2020 of complications from COVID-19.
Day, 49, is the commercial sales director for Tiarco Chemical. Day does not have any previous political experience and is running on the platform of bringing "common sense, better accountability and transparency to our local county government."
Thomas, 57, is the co-owner of Coldwell Banker Kinard Realty. He serves on the Whitfield County Planning Commission and the Dalton Whitfield County Hospital Authority and previously served on the Whitfield County school board from 2007 to 2010.
Contributed photo / John ThomasThomas said Monday he and his campaign have been busy with radio promotions, a social media blitz and trying to contact as many voters as he can leading up to Tuesday's election.
"I'm focusing on our first responders, making sure they have the proper equipment to help keep us all safe," he said. "I'm for tax reduction and wise spending. Those are my main things."
Thomas also said he was encouraged and grateful that two former candidates in the race - Shannon Bearfield and Chad Young - both endorsed him for the seat.
Day could not be reached Monday for comment.
District 3 residents can vote on Tuesday starting at 7 a.m. Polls will close at 7 p.m.
Registered voters who are unsure whether they are eligible to vote in this election should visit bit.ly/ga-sos or call the county elections office at 706-278-7183.
The election is nonpartisan, but both Day and Thomas are listed as Republicans.
Contact Patrick Filbin at pfilbin@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6476. Follow him on Twitter @PatrickFilbin.