In less than 35 days, Clayton County voters will select their choice for one of the most important elected positions in the county, that of chairman of the county commission.

In alphabetical order, they are former state Rep. Roberta Abdul-Salaam, D-Riverdale, the incumbent chairman Eldrin Bell and former Clayton County Police Chief Jeff Turner.

Where Bell is running on his record of support for business growth, economic and jobs for the area and the return of public transit to Clayton, Abdul-Salaam said, as an advocate for the county for more than a quarter century, she will accomplish as chairman what she feels she has accomplished as a lawmaker under the gold dome, putting Clayton County citizens first.

Turner believes that, for too long, the county has relied upon a “broken system, one on the brink of self-destruction who have counted on politicians to repair it.”

Bell, who said he has helped bring two new Wayfield Foods to the county which has put more than 100 Clayton residents back to work, said he has opposed property tax increases and will continue to do so.

“I have submitted to the board of commissioners a balanced budget for 2013 with the recommendation that property taxes be decreased by a full mill,” he said.

Abdul-Salaam said that serving as a state representative for eight years and serving as chair of the Clayton County Legislative Caucus, she is “vested in shaping the future of Clayton County and I believe the county needs leadership that will put the citizens of Clayton County first.”

“I have done that in the legislature and I led the fight to bring public education back to our county by working with our legislative delegation and across party lines,” she said. “In addition to transportation, I will work to provide sidewalks, street lights, bike trails and preserve more green space throughout the county.”

If he is elected chairman, Turner said he would not just stand for the status quo of the office, “but be innovative and aggressive to improve Clayton County.”

“I will bring unity back to Clayton by creating an environment where everyone works together as well as creating opportunities for entrepreneurships to start businesses here that create jobs for our residents,” Turner said.