Sparks Continue to Fly In Loganville Election

After a story, and follow up column by Loganville Mayor Ray Nunley appeared in the last two Sunday editions of The Walton Tribune, candidate for one of the three at-large seats on the , said he felt compelled to answer.

In the column, Nunley called out Baliles for comments in the Tribune that referred to current city council members as “caretakers.”

“My first reaction was 'just' not respond to the editorial written by Mayor Ray Nunley, but after thinking through the issues raised by him, I do have some observations,” Baliles said. “While listing these thoughts, I will always stand up for the mayor's right to share his opinions.”

Baliles said he felt that Nunley painted with a “very broad brush” in the column. He also questioned whether it was a way to discourage anyone running for elected office in Loganville to just “forget it” and allow the current office holders to maintain the status quo.

“When elected, I plan to work with the other five council members and Mayor Nunley to move the city forward. However, there are several things I will not do to get elected,” Baliles said. “I will not lie or steal; I will not be obligated to anyone, except the citizens of Loganville, for my vote on any issue; I will not allow anyone to use the election process to tell me who will or will not be my friends/acquaintances and I will not deny my God.”

Baliles said there we a few questions he wanted to ask Loganville voters. 

1. Do you feel as if Loganville is in the midst of a "Grand Plan?"

2. Are you satisfied with the current tax burden for the citizens of Loganville?

3. Are you satisfied with the cost of water in our community?

“The many citizens whom I have talked with, for the most part, are not satisfied and bring up these issues many times,” Baliles said.

In responding to what he considered to be an attack on the current city government by candidates Baliles and former mayor , Nunley said he couldn’t say whether the response in the Tribune would be his last.

“We’re going to defend ourselves whenever I see the need,” Nunley said.

The other three candidates on the ballot are incumbent city councilmen , and .