Local & State Headlines

Sinyard nixes Senate run

• Dougherty County's Commission chair decides not to seek state office.

Carlton Fletcher

ALBANY — With the opening day of statewide qualifying now only two weeks away, the quest for the State Senate District 12 seat that will be vacated by long-time Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen, D-Albany, is getting more attention lately for who will not be running than who will vie for the seat.

Dougherty County Commission Chair Jeff Sinyard confirmed Monday morning at the conclusion of the commission’s work session that he will not seek the seat, despite pressure from state leaders who have encouraged him to make the bid.

“For the good of this community, I will remain in Dougherty County,” Sinyard told commissioners, who responded with a round of applause. “I think it’s best for me not to leave the commission at this time; I’m part of this team that loves Albany, Dougherty County and Southwest Georgia, and right now we have so many challenges before us.

“This is a difficult decision for me, but after talking with my family and my employees (at Adams Exterminators), I truly believe this is where I can help this community most. I’m very fortunate to have created some excellent relationships with people throughout the state, in Atlanta and in Washington (while considering the decision), but my heart says I should remain here.”

Dougherty Commission members seemed genuinely pleased with Sinyard’s decision.

“I told Jeff I would support him in whatever decision he made,” District 1 Commissioner Lamar Hudgins said. “And I think he definitely could win (the district 12) race if he chose to run. But for the county’s sake, I’m pleased with his decision.

“I think the county and this commission need the kind of leadership he brings.”

Sinyard’s announcement further muddles an election picture that, despite a number of rumors and much conjecture, still has only one declared candidate: former State Rep. John White. Albany businessman Greg McCormack announced last week that he had decided not to seek the District 12 seat that includes eight Southwest Georgia counties.

McCormack cited “family reasons” as the basis for his decision.

Dougherty District Attorney Ken Hodges, who has indicated he is leaning toward not running for the seat at this time but has said the possibility is “still on my radar,” is one of a number of local high- profile individuals who has been mentioned as a possible candidate.

Others include current State Reps. Winfred Dukes and Freddie Powell Sims, former Albany City Commissioner Bo Dorough and former Albany State University head football coach Hamp Smith.

Smith said Monday he had no plans to run for the seat, and Dorough said he has no interest in statewide office.

Sinyard, meanwhile, said he expects another “quality name” to join the mix soon.

“I’m very confident that someone who is very qualified will step forward soon and announce their candidacy,” he said. “There are a number of names out there, and I expect one of them to step up soon.”

Qualifying for the seat runs from April 28 to May 2.

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