Around 100 attended a barbecue for Republican candidates Saturday at the UT Extension Office on Takoma Avenue
The event was organized by the American First Federated Women.
During the meal, over twenty candidates in attendance had been invited to make a few comments about their campaigns.
Several had already spoken when County Commission candidate Alan Marsh introduced himself to those in attendance then yielded the remainder of his time to Donnie Brooks.
Brooks, a local contractor, then began to read from handwritten notes calling for questions to be answered about the actual cost for the redo of the Takoma Hospital building to the Greene County Administration Center. As Brooks continued to voice concerns, at least thirty persons, including some candidates, began to exit the building in haste. Most did not return, including Mayor Kevin Morrison, who was the main target of Brooks concerns.
Morrison, who had yet to speak, thanked some First Federated leaders individually for the opportunity as he left. Soon afterwards, Brooks was told his time to speak had ended. A few other candidates, including Senator Steve Southerland and State Representative David Hawk spoke briefly before the program ended and attendees mingled on their way out.
