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Council candidates discuss issues at forum
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A forum Friday night gave Dawsonville voters a chance to learn more about municipal candidates before heading to the ballot box on Tuesday.

Sponsored by the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, the forum at Dawson County Middle School featured three of five candidates running for city council.

Two council seats are up for grabs, as is the mayor's post.

Mayor Joe Lane Cox, who has served since 2004, is running unopposed.

Council candidates Frank Craft, a veteran of local politics, and newcomers Chris Gaines and Jason Power fielded questions ranging from their views on consolidated government to their plans for providing an adequate water supply in the years to come.

Moderator Charlie Auvermann said the questions were prepared in advance by a group of chamber members. Neither he nor the candidates were given the questions prior to the forum.

Each candidate was also given the opportunity to introduce themselves, explain their qualifications and outline their top goals once elected.

Incumbent Councilmen Mike Sosebee and Mike Wilson were unable to attend the forum due to health issues.

The two highest vote-getters Tuesday will claim the council posts.

In addition, the city's nearly 1,300 registered voters will also weigh in on a referendum that would allow package sales of alcohol by Dawsonville retailers from 12:30 to 11:30 p.m. on Sundays.

Voters can cast their ballots from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Dawson County Board of Elections office at Maple Street and Academy Avenue.

As of earlier this week, more than 90 people had voted.