The Watson Foundation held a forum at Willie A. Watkins Douglasville Chapel September 30, 2011. 

Foundation chairman, Larry Watson, said Terry Miller, Harvey Persons, Rochelle Robinson, and Ronald L. Wilson, were given an opportunity to make opening statements before they were asked questions by a moderator.

 After the hour-long question and answer segment, they made their closing statements.  The forum was proceeded by a opening prayer by a local minister.

 Because of our past works and our love for this community, we have credibility with all segments of the political establishment. My wife, Ruth Covington Watson, president and executive director of the foundation, and I, were approached by several city leaders about hosting the forum.

 With the help of members of  our staff, former city officials and some community activists familiar with city issues, organizers finalized the most pressing issues for the forum.

The Watson Foundation is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization founded to assist wheelchair bound and economically challenged individuals with a variety of humanitarian and home preservation issues.

 We must be informed, updated and educated about candidates to determine who is the best qualified, articulates a strategic vision and is best prepared to lead and unify the city.  Now is the time for a new strength of leadership to emerge and we sincerely want to be a partner in it.  We need leaders who will lead by example and achievement and not with photo ops and sound bytes.