CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) – Many local elections will be decided Tuesday for Election Day.

One of them is the Chatham County District 7 race. This is a 2020 rematch between longtime titular Dean Kicklighter and challenger Orlando Scott.

WTOC sat down with both to talk about the issues facing West Chatham County and why they feel best to lead the future.

“I was 30 when I was elected, but that said, I’m still the second youngest member of the county commission,” Kicklighter said.

Dean Kicklighter is the starter. He has been a Chatham County 7th District commissioner for 24 years.

“Experience really counts. Experience is knowledge and right now, experience and knowledge are needed more than ever to represent western Chatham County.

Orlando Scott is the challenger.

“I’m a people person, I’m part of the community, I’m a fighter and I want to serve, and that’s why you should vote for me,” Scott said.

Both candidates believe the number one issue facing residents is unprecedented growth, both residential and industrial.

“Growth is coming, and it’s been happening for 20 years. So we are now catching up,” Scott said.

“With the proper guidance and judgment, we cannot stop growth, but we can certainly direct and guide it,” Kicklighter said.

Kicklighter wants to manage this growth, without West Chatham County becoming an industrial wasteland.

“We are expected to triple our population very soon, and if that happens, we will need a lot more housing everywhere. Do we choose to serve housing for the massive developments brought by Hyundai and the ports, I say housing,” Kicklighter said.

Orlando Scott says improving infrastructure and roads would go a long way in helping residents.

“When I speak with residents, everyone emphasizes infrastructure. And mainly our roads, and the overcrowding of our roads. Our residents are tired of sitting on Benton Boulevard, Pine Barren, Pooler Parkway and Quacco Road,” Scott said.

Scott would like to see T-SPLOST, which was defeated by voters in 2022, placed on the ballot and passed in Chatham County to help alleviate some of the traffic congestion.

“There are many investment projects that we can carry out. If we add that one cent sales tax… We won’t have to raise taxes, because, frankly, there’s not enough money in the budget. The county budget, the city budget, to do everything we need to do,” Scott said.

Both candidates say many voters are concerned about the growing number of warehouses being built in the district.

“This is a challenge that many of our residents face because the ports are growing so quickly that there is a need. We have to balance that need, where those warehouses are going, to make sure we’re not encroaching on residents,” Scott said.

“Let us work and guide this growth in the best way possible so that it does not hinder the quality of life of our residents, but in a way that will not financially hinder the future of Chatham County and the ‘State of Georgia,’ says Kicklighter.

Both candidates say they are the ones who can build relationships and guide future growth.

“If you care about infrastructure, if you care about industrial intrusion, if you care about communication, two-way communication and not just one-way, I’m your person. I’m the fighter you need this time this season,” Scott said.

“We have saved this county’s taxes because the new growth offsets property taxes, and we can continue to do that, but we must do it with leadership that will guide that growth in the right direction, without harming or hindering. the quality of life of our citizens, but improve it,” Kicklighter said.

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