Brooks, McClain May Run in Special Election

The special election for the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners could become a contest between the people who already have qualified to run in the GOP Primary.

Suwanee accountant Laurie McClain said Sunday that she intends to qualify for the special voting, and former Suwanee City Council member Jace Brooks indicated strong interest in doing so.

"I very much want to be the next District 1 county commissioner and the sooner the better," McClain, a Duluth resident, said in an email Sunday. "I fully intend to qualify for a special election as soon as I know the complete details."

Brooks said via email that the timing of the special election would be a factor.

"If the special election is held in July or August, then I would qualify for the special election. If it is not held until November, then I would qualify if I have won the July primary," Brooks said.

The election is being held to fill the post left vacant by the resignation of Shirley Lasseter, who pleaded guilty last week to federal bribery charges. Because there were more than 180 days left in Lasseter's term, a special election must be held. Her term would have expired Dec. 31, 2012.

Gwinnett Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash said she is not sure when the special election would be held, but that it likely would not be before the July 31 primary.

Until the District 1 post is filled, the Gwinnett BOC will have four members -- raising the possibility of tie votes, including on such crucial matters as potential airport privatization. The commissioners' work session agenda for Tuesday (June 5) carries a staff recommendation to reject Propeller Investments' proposal for Briscoe Field expansion and privatization.

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