The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, through its Government and Community Affairs Council, announced last week that it will sponsor a candidate’s debate on July 9. 

The debate will provide a platform for interested residents to learn more about state, regional and local candidates seeking public office.

The debate will be held at the Dawson County Middle School auditorium, at 332 Hwy. 9 North in downtown Dawsonville. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. to allow residents to meet the candidates. The debate will begin at 6 p.m.

“There is a great deal of interest in the elections this year,” said Linda Williams, president of the chamber. “We wanted to make sure we got our date early and are working to insure that all candidates know to mark July 9 on their calendars.”

Williams noted that invitations are being sent to the gubernatorial candidates, all candidates running in regionally important races and all candidates for local offices.

In 2006, the chamber debate drew a substantial crowd of candidates running for state and regional positions.

The government and community affairs council is one of several sub-committees that operate within the board of the chamber to help with special events and projects.

Charlie Auvermann, 2010 council chair, indicated that the group is still working out the detailed event schedule.

“These election debates are an excellent way for Dawson citizens to meet and learn more about the candidates,” Auvermann said. 

The July 9 date was selected because it falls just before the July 20 general primary. 

“The general primary is really our most critical event for most candidates,” Auvermann said.

The last day for voter registration is June 21. 

The general election is Nov 2.

For more information about the scheduled debate, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278.