By Robert Medley
Managing Editor
A candidate for a Piedmont School Board seat has decided to support the other two candidates on the ballots in the upcoming election.
Dr. Tamra States, a Piedmont chiropractor, said she wants voters to choose between Katie Cornman or Christopher Jantz, but not vote for herself.
States is a chiropractor at Piedmont Chiropractic, 51 Gooder Simpson Blvd.
“I decided to run for Piedmont School Board to support our kids, teachers, staff and administration as the school system grows in the coming years,” States said. “The growth of our school population is tremendous and will need sound guidance to properly expand our infrastructure and increase our personnel to meet these needs. Lastly, I wanted to ensure that our children and staff are protected and safe. “
Voters in the district of about 4,500 students will decide the race Tuesday, Feb. 8.
“After discussing my goals and concerns with the other two candidates, I feel that they both have similar goals and are both qualified to effectively lead our schools. Therefore, I ask that the voters choose either Chris or Katie for this position. I deeply appreciate the huge amount of support that has been shown to me,” States said.
The three candidates names will remain on the ballots for the Office 2 seat on the board.
One person whose name will not be on the ballots is Robyn Hopkins.
Hopkins candidacy was struck from the race after States contested Hopkins’ candidacy at the county election board because Hopkins was not a registered voter in the Office 2 boundaries of the district for six months before filing.
After the filing period ended, States then filed a petition to contest Hopkins’ candidacy.
Hopkins’ candidacy was struck down by a vote by the Canadian County Election Board Dec. 16, said Election Board Secretary Wanda Armold.
Meanwhile, Cornman, a realtor, hosted a forum at the Piedmont Area Veterans Association Friday, Jan. 21.
Cornman talked about why she wants to be elected.
“My family is here. My husband’s family is here. Our kids are third generation Piedmont students,” Cornman said. “We just really want to protect the values of our community and help with responsible growth and make it a place where our kids can thrive, and our community can thrive. I’m really compassionate about the town and looking forward to running.”
School Board President Dustin Yowell is not seeking re-election to the seat.
An event for the public to meet Jantz will be 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28 at the Old Store.
“We will be holding a Meet and Greet at the Mill’s Garage, behind the Old Store. The purpose of the event is to provide anyone the opportunity meet me and my family, as a candidate running for Piedmont School Board. I am more than willing to listen to experiences and answer questions, to the best of my ability,” Jantz stated in a social media post.
Read more coverage on the election in the Piedmont-Surrey Gazette and follow piedmontnewsonline.com for updates.
