Community comes together for Smyrna Candidate Forum at the start of early voting for Mayor and Council seats

In an event that was marked by a strong emphasis on accountability, transparency, fiscal responsibility, and civic engagement, over 100 residents gathered for the Smyrna Candidate Forum, a collaborative effort organized by the Cobb County Democracy Center and four prominent Black Greek organizations: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Mayoral candidate Ken Hymes, along with Council members Corkey Welch, and Susan Wilkinson, demonstrated their commitment to citizens by showing up and engaging with the diverse audience for the full two-hour session.

Although only three of the candidates on the Smyrna ballot for office participated with the community for this event, the forum’s moderator took the opportunity to clarify to the attendees that all candidates had received invitations weeks in advance, dispelling suggestions made by some candidates that they were not aware of the event. This clarification was intended to promote transparency and fairness in the process, as well as address the concerns expressed by many in attendance regarding the lack of participation and respect by the other candidates.

Notably, the absence of the incumbent Mayor, Derek Norton, did not go unnoticed. Throughout the forum, the decisions made during his tenure were subjected to intense scrutiny, with both the audience and fellow candidates raising questions about his ethics, decision-making, and commitment to transparency. What was concerning for many in the forum were decisions made regarding the downtown development and the placement of a brewery next to the community center. Welch pointed out his lack of support for this decision, saying there is nothing family friendly about a brewery. He went on to say that the city could have spent half the money, half the cost, for the downtown development. Hymes and Wilkerson agreed with Welch and raised similar concerns as they pointed to the lack of citizen involvement and inclusion in many of the decisions that have been made. Wilkerson went on to say that many of the details were never shared with the council. Other topics that were discussed were over budgeted projects, the lack of a balanced budget and the jeopardy to Smyrna’s AAA rating. All the candidates raised concerns regarding Norton being a lobbyist. One of the attendees asked who the lobbyists in the races were. It was pointed out that Norton, Michael Powers, and Travis Lindley are all lobbyists. Welsh said he had not seen any conflicts with Lindley but could not say the same about the other two. An audience member pointed out that Powers was a lobbyist for the chemical company, Sterigenics, which is being sued by citizens for its cancer-causing emissions.

The absence of other current office holders, especially those without opposition, was also concerning for many in the room who said these candidates missed a valuable opportunity to engage with the community and address issues they felt were important. Some remarked that candidates who did not attend the forum were avoiding scrutiny and did not take their constituents seriously.

Nevertheless, the candidates who were in attendance made effective use of the time and spared no effort in presenting their compelling reasons for seeking election. They responded to questions with careful consideration and received rounds of applause from the engaged audience, demonstrating their commitment to addressing the concerns of the community. Hymes and Welsh also told the audience that they had both received the endorsement of former Smyrna Mayor Max Bacon. 

At the conclusion of the forum, the moderator asked the candidates if they could have a superpower for Smyrna, what would it be? Ken Hymes said he would want the power to make everyone tell the truth, in their writings and in their conversations. Corkey Welch said he would want a money tree. Susan Wilkinson agree with both, a money tree and the truth.

Many in attendance took to social media sites after the forum to express their appreciation for the event, as they commented on how well run and organized it was. Said one citizen, “If you missed the candidate forum tonight, you missed a very informative meeting. Ken Hymes hit a grand slam performance. Coney Welsh as usual showed his professional self, his knowledge of city affairs and concern for Smyrna citizens. Susan Wilkinson with her experience, knowledge and concern for Smyrna deserves re-election.” Another said, “It was a well-run event and all of the candidates who bothered to show up came across well. It reflected poorly on those who chose not to participate. No excuse – and it looked like a concerted decision. Shame on them.”

Click to see the Smyrna Candidate Forum in its entirety or go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep21EC6Q7gk