Election Board to review Heard candidacy Friday

As of Wednesday, August 22, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Albany Herald

ALBANY, Ga. — The Dougherty County Board of Registration and Elections will meet Friday morning on the issue of the Rev. Lorenzo Heard’s candidacy for the at-large seat on the Dougherty School Board.

In an agenda released Wednesday afternoon, the Elections Board indicated it will address three issues:

Heard’s independent notice of candidacy for the seat;
Heard’s qualifying fee;
Heard’s nomination petition.

Following discussion, there will be a call for a vote, the agenda says.

Heard attempted to qualify as an independent candidate on the final day of qualifying after Lane Price defeated incumbent School Board member Anita Williams-Brown in the July 31 Democratic Primary. There are no Republican candidates for the seat, which is elected at-large in the county.

Elections officials rejected the notice of candidacy, which was brought to them by County Commissioner-elect Clinton Johnson, determining that it was a copy and not an affidavit. The paperwork was returned to Heard’s campaign, and Heard has said it has been shredded.

Elections officials said Heard had not paid the required qualifying fee. They have also been verifying signatures on his petition for candidacy, which has to have verifiable signatures of more than 2,900 registered Dougherty County voters to be valid.

If his candidacy is affirmed, Heard would face Price in the Nov. 6 General Election. If Heard is ruled ineligible, Price’s name would be the only one appearing on the General Election ballot.

More like this story

Commissioner questions elections issue ( August 20, 2012 )
Heard’s School Board qualifying fee unpaid ( August 13, 2012 )
Election Board disqualifies Heard (Updated and video added) ( August 24, 2012 )
Heard's School Board qualifying fee unpaid ( August 13, 2012 )
Elections Board denies candidacy ( August 15, 2012 )

VSU 10 months ago

If he did not pay the qualifying fees, why even bother reviewing and voting? If he didn't pay, he should not be allowed to play.

waltspecht 10 months ago

Can't wait to see how this one turns out. It is a wonderment that it even went to the Board for a vote. Most normal Citizens would have had it rejected out of hand, without review. Never mind a vote by the Board.

Jimboob 10 months ago

If he wants to be on the school boars so much then run for Velvet Riggins seat. Almost anyone would be better that that liar and thief.

LuLu 10 months ago

What's to review? His actions -- or lack thereof -- clearly show that he's incompetent! And Ginger Nickerson's actions prove the exact same thing about her! This whole thing is wasteful and infuriating! Brian Kemp's office needs to be alerted to this.

Mari 9 months, 4 weeks ago

Brian Kemp is very much aware!

Sister_Ruby 10 months ago

Well folks, despite what people who want to see Justice done would like the outcome to be, based on the proceedings over at the DCSS so-called Tribunal (I call it an abortion).... my guess is that Mr. Heard will be having a skating party.

Shinedownfan 10 months ago

I know, right? Unbelievable!

LuLu 10 months ago

Does anyone know who the board members are? I couldn't find them on the city/county website.

KaosinAlbany 9 months, 4 weeks ago

Check your messages, LuLu.

LuLu 9 months, 4 weeks ago

I don't have any new messages..

KaosinAlbany 9 months, 4 weeks ago

It told me it sent it. Darn!

TrixibelleBento 10 months ago

Has he paid yet? If the answer is no, there is no need to move forward! Why is this so difficult?

B4it 10 months ago

I hope that with the time delay, for doing all of this signature verification, that the DA has been building a case to prosecute those who fraudulantly signed the petition.

Sister_Ruby 9 months, 4 weeks ago

I have been asking questions about this but nobody doing the news has mentioned it in any manner.

bubbavet 9 months, 4 weeks ago

More waste of real taxpayers money. He should have to repay all that was spent.

Amazed2 9 months, 4 weeks ago

Oh im sure James Bush has a plan to get him on the ticket.

KaosinAlbany 9 months, 4 weeks ago

I thought the very same thing.

mnavie1111 9 months, 4 weeks ago

I have a question for all of u who comment on the DCSS on a daily basis. What are u doing to help. It's easy to sit on the side line and criticize others .

Sister_Ruby 9 months, 4 weeks ago

You go first. Tell us what U R DOO EEENG..........

KaosinAlbany 9 months, 4 weeks ago

Some of us have that right because we pay property taxes and a portion goes to the school system. When I am paying money for something and not getting a return then I have the right to complain. Thank you.

chinaberry25 9 months, 4 weeks ago

Got your answer didn't you. Most folks pay property taxes to school and also the e-splosh, so you can bet we are doing a big part.

FryarTuk 9 months, 4 weeks ago

It's called freedom of speech. The very fact that discourse occurs is critically essential.

Momof3 9 months, 4 weeks ago

I pay taxes and have 3 kids in the DCSS. I also am very active in al of their schools, communication with teachers all the time to make sure they are on task.

Right is right and wrong is wrong. He didn't do all the necessary things to get on the ballot so I don't even see why there should be a meeting but politics I guess.

mnavie1111 9 months, 4 weeks ago

U first sister ruby. Since u seem to have so much to say everyday. And y didn't u run for the board.

Sister_Ruby 9 months, 4 weeks ago

I dint hah tha do hunna eight dolla no got wish I cud buy tha bord

Jimboob 9 months, 4 weeks ago

Why didn't anyone run aginst Velvet Riggins? Is being a liar and thief something that Albany should be proud of? Isn't there anyone in her district that is honest? Is there no one with courage? I guess not. :-(

Sister_Ruby 9 months, 4 weeks ago

"Is being a liar and thief something that Albany should be proud of?"

Uhhhhhhhhhh..........haven't you been reading the newspaper lately? There's a celebratory, all-night skating party being held somewhere for all of them. But I'm apparently not invited 'cause I pay my taxes, feed my family with my own money, and tell the truth.

chinaberry25 9 months, 4 weeks ago

Sister Ruby, the city and county need a lot more like you. A skating party to buy votes.

FryarTuk 9 months, 4 weeks ago

Some of the black pastors opposed any opposition for Velveeta. Rationale being it helps her criminal defense. After Dr. Price shellacked ABW the college of bishops tried to play catch up. The strategy is/was to save control of the DCSS checkbook at all cost. The entire elections process has an atmosphere of suspicion for me. Too many snafus since Nickerson assumed the helm. Particularly relating to candidacy applications go.

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