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Commission hopefuls ready for runoff
Boff optimistic, Tressler energized about Tuesday vote
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Forsyth County News

Republican candidates for the District 5 seat on the Forsyth County commission are gearing up for the Aug. 5 runoff election.

Jim Boff and Julie Tressler may disagree on some issues, but the two can agree on at least one thing: It's been exhausting.

There is no Democrat running in November, so whoever triumphs Tuesday wins the post.

"It's been a long, hard and interesting campaign," said Boff, adding that he's approaching the runoff with optimism.

Tressler said leadup to the runoff has been "a lot of work but a lot of fun too."

"I've campaigned pretty hard for the runoff, just like I was doing before the runoff," she said, adding that she feels "energized."

Though Boff led what was originally a field of four candidates in the July 15 primary, he did not reach the 50 percent majority needed to win outright.

Boff received 44 percent of the vote, while Tressler got 35 percent. Candidate Terry Sweeney got 9 percent and Walter Waddell got 12 percent of the vote.

Tressler said residents should vote for her because she "has the ability to work well" with other members of the commission.

Boff said voters should consider him because, "I have the time, I've shown commitment to learning about the issues and I've been straightforward and honest with the people."

Chief Voter Registrar Gary J. Smith has projected a 5 percent turnout for the runoff. Early voting began last week.

Current District 5 Commissioner Linda Ledbetter decided to not seek re-election to a second term, though she said it has been a "really wonderful four years."

Her advice for whoever takes the seat was to "listen to the people."

"Try to find the line between what you think is right for Forsyth County and what the people say," Ledbetter said.

"Whoever gets elected will have an awesome experience in District 5."

The commission district, which covers Cumming and much of eastern Forsyth, was one of three on the July 15 ballot.

Brian Tam won re-election in south Forsyth's District 2, besting three Republican challengers with 55 percent of the vote.

In District 4, or north Forsyth, Patrick Bell defeated incumbent David Richard, also with 55 percent of the vote. Bell will face Democrat Jon Flack in the Nov. 4 election.