By Max Nickel
Editor’s Note: While often overlooked, local elections have a significant impact on daily life. The Forsyth City Council oversees key decisions such as budgeting, tax rates, zoning, public projects, and city leadership appointments. This November 4th, two council seats are up for election — giving voters the opportunity to re-elect current incumbents or choose new representation. This article offers a quick overview of each candidate to help you make an informed decision at the polls.
Post 2: Chris Hewett vs Walter Goodson
Chris Hewett
Chris Hewett is the incumbent candidate for Forsyth City Council Member Post 2, and is currently serving his 3rd term. He is a teacher and banker and has been “in and around Forsyth” since 1970. He worked as a Banking Officer specializing in consumer lending at United Bank until 2017.
He has served a total of 14 years and is seeking re-election. Hewett’s educational background includes an AA in Business from Gordon, a BA in Business from Tift/Mercer, a masters degree in Education from Fort Valley State, and a masters in Educational Leadership from Troy State.
“I strongly support public safety, low taxes, and controlled growth,” Hewett detailed when asked about important policies and positions. “I also strongly advocate being a good steward of our citizen’s money. I would appreciate your vote and support!”
Walter Goodson
Walter Goodson, most commonly nicknamed around Forsyth as Skipper, is a Forsyth native who graduated from Mary Persons in 1972. Skipper’s background consists of over 5 years in the Army and 20 years of service at Warner Robins Air Force Base before becoming self-employed and coaching track teams that “ran all over the world.” He’s been married for 27 years and has 5 children.
Skipper made a point of running on affordable housing, stressing the need for changes to zoning regulations and requirements that in his view have made affordable housing entirely inaccessible at the present moment. He also emphasized the court system not being run properly, and the enforcement of the court not operating under a proper system.
“They pick and choose who they go after,” he noted. Skipper also mentioned the need for an emphasis on road infrastructure and repair, noting that the city has utilized millions of dollars to simply “patch up” damage as opposed to complete focused reconstruction.
“If I’m elected, I will work in the best interest of the citizens of Forsyth, Georgia,” Skipper wanted to say directly to readers. “Voting is the most powerful equalizer.”
Post 6: Mike Dodd vs. Glynn Holmes
Mike Dodd
Mike Dodd is the actively serving council member and incumbent candidate for Forsyth City Council Member Post 6. Dodd has been serving on the City Council since 1996, and is currently serving as the Mayor Pro-tem. He is a lifelong Forsyth resident and retired small business owner (Dodd Builder’s Supply), and has helped serve the community for almost 30 years.
“My late wife and I ran a business (here) for over 40 years, and the people of Forsyth supported our business,” Dodd detailed when asked about his background. “I have always felt the urge to give back and make sure the amazing small town quality of life in Forsyth remains great!” Dodd has committed himself to “keeping Forsyth a place we are proud to call home,” dedicating himself to continuing his efforts to keep taxes low, working for resurfaced streets, improving water/sewer infrastructure, and improving city parks.
“I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving the citizens of Forsyth for another 4 years,” he commented online after qualifying for re-election in August. “Your prayers and support are appreciated.”
Glynn Holmes
Glynn Holmes Sr. is running for Forsyth City Council Member Post 6. The 58-year-old and his wife Tammy have been part of the Forsyth community since 2020. Holmes was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, but his wife is a Forsyth native and Mary Persons High School graduate. “After our first visit here, I knew Forsyth would be our home,” Holmes commented.
Holmes has dedicated about 30 years and counting of his life to “serving others”, whether that be through his decades of military service in the Air Force or through his service as an educator.
Locally, Holmes has volunteered as Community Educator for the Alzheimer’s Association, math tutor at CGTC (Achievement Center), at an after-school tutoring program and Community Connect Program at Union Hill Church, and at the Senior Center. Prior to coming to Forsyth, Holmes served as an Educational Services Specialist for the entire state of Nebraska and 18 counties in Iowa. “After speaking with the then Governor of Nebraska, Pete Ricketts, I was able to extend my program into several Nebraska correctional facilities, helping to boost morale and lower the rate of recidivism,” Holmes details on his website.
When detailing why he decided to run for City Council, Holmes prefaced that growth of Forsyth is, to some degree, inevitable. “However,” he stated, “managing that growth is a key part in our long and short term development. I have experience with government and civilian stakeholders of varying levels, and I bring a new thoroughly investigative, evidence based perspective that lines up with the core values of our citizens. But more important than that, I know that all political positions are designed to be servants of the citizens. Should I be elected, that’s exactly what I will do.”
