The son of a Hinesville city councilman is squaring off against a former Liberty County commissioner to fill the county board of commissioners District 2 seat that has been vacant since May.

The special election will coincide with the Nov. 6 general election, when commissioners for three other districts and the commission chairman also are on the ballot.

Linda Graham, a mental-health agency consultant, represented District 2 from 1998-2002. She lost her re-election bid to Donald Lovette, who is the presumed chairman-elect since he does not face a challenger in the general election. Justin Frasier, a commercial sales representative for Batteries Plus who also does some freelance paralegal work, brings business-ownership experience into the race.

When it comes to the issues, the candidates take similar positions.

Both support the Liberty Transit System and potential expansions to accommodate more riders, they said.

Economic growth is a priority for both, as are opportunities for youth.

“Job creation obviously should be the focus for anyone that’s interested in politics and public service,” Graham said.

Frasier said he adds experience as a small-business owner and does all he can to support local commerce.

Though new to the realm of elected office, Frasier said he is involved with the Manna House and the Liberty County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He also grew up watching service in action, as he is the son of Hinesville Mayor Pro Tem Charles Frasier.

“I think one of my biggest strengths is building relationships; I’ve had opportunities throughout the years to have a lot of strong relationships throughout the county, doing a lot of volunteering and just being involved,” Frasier said.

Graham said her experience on the commission is one of her strengths. The Savannah native also watched service in action growing up, as her father and brother both are involved in local governments. Graham has been involved with the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society and the YMCA, she said.

“Experience, that’s basically my slogan — experience counts, I’ve been there, done that, never got away from it,” Graham said. “You don’t have to be in an elected position to serve, and I feel like I’ve been serving throughout my adult life. Service to others is a privilege and a responsibility.”

Frasier said his slogan hits on three of his platforms.

“With my platform, the three main objectives are continuing executing the growth of our economy in Liberty County, improving the quality of life and also standing up for the hard-working taxpayers,” he said.

Frasier said he would advocate more effective services for senior citizens and support re-entry programs for ex-prisoners to find employment. He also would like to see more youth initiatives, such as teen summits, and put more effort into tourism marketing.