Higgins picks up opposition for BOE post

GAINESVILLE - Two more candidates qualified for local races in Hall County in the July 20 primaries Tuesday, both of them for the same office.

County school board chairman Richard Higgins qualified for re-election and picked up opposition in the Republican Primary from retired educator Bill Thompson.

Monday, the first day of qualifying, incumbent Republican Hall County Commissioner Bobby Banks signed up to seek another term. Craig Lutz and Kim Senter also qualified for the GOP Primary to run against Banks. Paul Wayne Godfrey qualified to seek the Democratic nomination to the post but announced later in the day that he with withdrawing his candidacy. (See separate story.)

Scott Gibbs was the lone first-day qualifier for the county commission seat now held by Steve Gailey, who is not running for re-election; and, incumbent State Court Solicitor Stephanie Woodard qualified for re-election as did Hall County School Board member Sam Chapman.