AUGUSTA, Ga. - With the November 3 election just two weeks away, candidates for Richmond County Commission seats are out campaigning harder than ever.

NBC Augusta 26 News is introducing you to the people who want your votes. This week we’re taking a look at the District 3 race.

District 3 runs between Interstate 20 and Gordon Highway.

For the past four years, Commissioner Joe Bowles has represented Richmond County's District 3.

He says he's worked with other commissioners to bring solid changes to the county, but now two challengers have stepped forward saying the next change needed is for Bowles to be replaced.

Joy Mitchell-Booker and Cleveland O'Steen both agree that the commission has been at odds for years and that Bowles isn't the fix.

"They've had contention because they haven't been able to agree,” said Mitchell-Booker. “I'm not saying it's Joe's fault, but sometimes you have to change the players."

As a political science teacher, O'Steen believes that Bowles is out of touch with parts of his district. If elected, O’Steen says there are relationships he would strive to build throughout the area.

"Talking to constituents, they say they want equal representation,” said O’Steen. “They want to be informed on what's going on and not just read about it in the newspaper."

Bowles says a vote for him is a vote for experience and continued improvements. He says he's working towards fixing roads and cleaning up the environment.

"A lot of people can get up and say I'm going to get this done or this done, but nothing gets done in this government without six votes and going and getting those votes is crucial and I think I've proved I have the ability to do that," explained Bowles.

Mitchell-Booker says the commission could use more of a woman's touch to break up the infighting.

"I don't know if it's race or politics or what it is, but I was hoping, if elected, to balance them out," said Mitchell-Booker.

O'Steen says the problems of other districts like 1 and 2 are so severe that he would focus on them as well.

"I want to work with all of the commissioners and I want to implement polices that will help Augusta, not just District 3, everyone," said O’Steen.

Bowles says he has a number of projects in the works for Augusta's future if he's re-elected.

"These are projects that no one else has even looked at until myself and a few other citizens got together to develop these policies to beautify our city," said Bowles.

Voters will have to choose whether they want change or experience on November 3.

Augusta's bus transit is a major issue both Joy Mitchell-Booker and Cleveland O'Steen said they want to see improved.

If you'd like to learn more about any of the candidates for District 3, here is their contact information so you can get your other questions answered:

Joe Bowles
914 Milledge Rd.
Augusta, GA 30904
(706) 210-1880

Joy B. Mitchell-Booker
3211 Wrightsboro Rd. Apt. P3
Augusta, GA 30909
(706) 394-2889

Cleveland O’Steen
1424 Sycamore Dr., Apt. A-5
Augusta, GA 30909

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