Westminster Political Forum: Key Issues and Candidate Insights Unveiled

Westminster political forum speaker engaging audience.

Westminster Council Candidates Gather Despite No-Shows

In a notable display of community engagement, only four city council candidates made their presence felt at the Westminster political forum held on September 26, 2025. These candidates, Jimmy Powell, Charles Morgan, and James Jones attended the forum in person, while Susan Ramey joined the discussion via cell phone. While it was unfortunate that candidate Dale Glymph was unable to attend due to a family obligation, the absence of Andrea Harbin, who cited work commitments as her reason for missing the event, raised questions about candidate availability leading up to the election.

Despite the rainy weather and a small audience in attendance at the Depot community room, one local resident voiced a keen interest in the city’s future developments. The format of the forum mirrored previous events organized by the Oconee Republican Party, allowing candidates to present introductory remarks, respond to a curated set of questions, and offer closing statements.

Key Issues on the Table

Crucial topics discussed included Westminster’s ongoing participation in an Upstate municipal power consortium—a decision affecting both the community’s energy resources and budgetary strategies. Additionally, moderator JR Slack posed an intriguing question to James Jones regarding the necessity of both a Town Administrator and an Assistant Administrator in a town of approximately 2,400 residents. Jones argued for reevaluating the need for both roles, suggesting that such positions might not be essential for effective governance. This raises important considerations about the efficient use of municipal resources in smaller towns.

The candidates also tackled the subject of annexation, providing insights into their viewpoints on this complex issue. As the community looks towards the future, the perspectives shared during this forum will likely shape local discussions going forward.

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Westminster Political Forum: Key Issues and Candidate Insights Unveiled

Westminster Council Candidates Gather Despite No-Shows

Key Issues on the Table

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