Police Commissioner Candidates Q&A
By REBECCA HAZEN
News Editor
Incumbent Kirk Forshee and challenger Mike Norris are running for the Trenton Police Commissioner seat, which is a four-year term. Both Trenton City and Dade County elections are Tuesday, Nov. 2.
Forshee and Norris spoke about themselves, and the issues important to them and to the county for this upcoming election.
Candidate and incumbent Kirk Forshee:
Q. Please tell everyone about yourself. What is your background?
A. I’m a lifelong resident of Trenton, graduating from Dade County High School in 1999 and working in the trucking industry at Covenant Transport, Vanguard National Trailer here in Trenton, and Transport Enterprise Leasing since that time. My wife, Amanda Scoggins Forshee, and I have two children in Dade Elementary School, who we enjoy spending time with at home and out in the community.
Q. Why are you deciding to run for commissioner for another term?
A. I believe in the protection of our Constitutional Rights through the enforcement of the laws that govern us. I support our local law enforcement and their families, especially during these difficult times where many in our country demand the defunding of police and attack officers unprovoked. I would also like to continue serving our community as a commissioner to be a voice for the citizens of Trenton and make decisions that the majority would agree with.
Q. What do you think are important issues for the city?
A. During the pandemic, lives were lost, jobs were lost, and freedoms were lost. People were shut in their homes, which could have increased cases of depression, alcohol, drugs, domestic violence, and child abuse. The devil finds work for idle hands. With rising prices of staple foods, essential goods, rent, and gasoline, we may see an increase in non-violent crimes like petty theft, shoplifting, DUI, and drug possession, which may lead to more violent crimes if left unchecked.
Q. What do you think is the biggest challenge/issue that the city faces?
A. I believe that the biggest challenge for Trenton is the economy, and we currently have no control over that. As our economy declines with rising inflation and unemployment, studies show that there will be an increase in property crime. It is more likely to impact smaller, rural towns like Trenton, because there are fewer security systems and cameras at residences. We also have a false sense of security knowing all of our neighbors would be less likely to commit a crime against us and get away with it. But with Interstate 59 running right through Trenton and Dade County from Alabama to Tennessee, it can attract criminals from quite a distance who can remain anonymous and flee the area very quickly.
Q. What are your goals for your term, if you win?
A. I want to continue to support our law enforcement officers and their families. I want to help Trenton to be the best small Georgia town possible and bring out the best in our community. Go Wolverines!
Q. Why do you think you are the right candidate for the position?
A. Being born and raised in Trenton, living and raising my children here in the Dade County School system, I represent exactly what it is to be a citizen of Trenton, Ga. I want to represent the best interests of all citizens of Trenton, Ga.
Candidate Mike Norris:
Q. Please tell everyone about yourself. What is your background?
A. Fellow citizens of Trenton, I am Mike Norris. I graduated from Northwest Georgia High School in 1978. After graduating, I worked as a well driller, then I took a position as manager for Rack Track Service Station in 1980. Then I went to work for Holmes Tractor Co. as manager. While working for Holmes Tractor, I went to the Georgia Public Safety Training Center to get certified as a police officer. After completion of training, I went to work as a deputy of the Dade County Sheriff’s Department. Then years after, I became investigator for City of Trenton, giving me a total of 31 years of law enforcement.
Q. Why are you deciding to run for commissioner?
A. When I was told of things happening at Trenton Police Department that were unethical, I decided it was time for someone to stand up for the police officers. I hope to take the good ole boys system out of the Police Department.
Q. What do you think are important issues for the city?
A. The safety of our citizens and our law enforcement is very important to me, as well as maintaining a budget. I look forward to working with the commissioners on other issues as well.
Q. What do you think is the biggest challenge/issue that the city faces?
A. Keeping and maintaining well qualified personnel. Recently, an officer left for better benefits. Employee turnover is not cost effective. We should strive to keep the qualified personnel we have.
Q. What are your goals for your term, if you win?
A. To work closely with the Chief of Police and other commissioners, to achieve a stronger infrastructure while maintaining a balanced budget.
Q. Why do you think you are the right candidate for the position?
A. Because I have dedicated 31 years of my life to the safety and well being of the city and citizens of Trenton, Ga. When I am elected Police Commissioner, I will work hard to maintain the quality of life every citizen deserves.
City voters can also vote for Park and Recreation Commissioner Terry Powell, who is running unopposed. The last two days of early voting are Thursday, Oct. 28, and Friday, Oct. 29. All precinct voting locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.