CLAYTON COUNTY, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
For the first time since his eight years in office, Clayton County Chairman Eldrin Bell faces his toughest opponent. He is headed to a runoff with former Clayton County police Chief Jeff Turner. There was only a 12-vote difference between Bell and Turner after Tuesday's election.
"He's never had a race this close before. I think what this tells you is the citizens of Clayton County are ready for some change," said Turner.
But Bell says the county is not ready for a change.
"There are many moving things that are part of this race. They all had impact including incumbency. It says to me the people deserve to now know what they are getting," Bell said.
The two rivals have blood between them. Turner said Bell forced him out of office when he was the police chief, placed him at the police academy and then forced Turner out of a job by temporarily closing the academy.
"I'm not concentrating on that. I'm not focusing on that. I'm focused on serving the citizens of Clayton County," Turner said when asked about his history with Bell.
Bell said Turner is only running for the office because of their past relationship.
"That says he was mad and I wonder whether or not the people of Clayton County to judge somebody who's running because they are mad instead of running because they are qualified," said Bell.
Copyright 2012 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
