BERLIN — The two candidates running to become the next mayor of Berlin know they will have a lot facing them but both say they’re up to the challenge. The candidates have been invited to be a part of a forum to allow citizens to discuss those issues tonight at 7 p.m.

Incumbent Mayor Dale Williams said he hopes the people of Berlin will elect him to a second term so he can continue the progress of his first term. Challenging Williams is former police chief Jerry Evers, who said changing the perception of Berlin is the key to making progress. Evers is currently chief of the Damascus Police Department and has served in small town government in various Georgia towns for 20 years.

A former city councilman, Williams said he came to the mayor’s seat in an uphill battle. The former mayor left the city in a financial hole for three years, which would not allow Berlin to apply for grants. Williams said it has been a struggle to get finances back to a suitable level.

The City of Berlin has made progress, as Williams said it has paid off a $21,000 bank debt with no additional outstanding loans. The city has also paid off one police car with a second one almost paid off, and it began a tire rodeo cleanup to get rid of old tires that are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

“I believe we’ve really made progress in the last three and a half years,” Williams said. “I think with a second term, we can get more done.”

Evers said a reason for Berlin’s lack of growth is because it has a reputation of being hard to work with on projects. If elected, he wants to change that perception so that Berlin will be known as a very friendly town, and he feels industries will come.

Pointing to a Dollar General that he said is close to becoming a reality, Evers said he wants to bring more to Berlin so that there can be job growth. He would also like to build a senior center, and he wants to bring a grocery store to the city.

“I want to make this town more enjoyable, grow, create more jobs and get things there to help people,” Evers said.

Williams said the Dollar General store is about 90 percent to becoming a reality, and it is hoped to be completed as early as Spring 2010. Berlin also needs to bring a small grocery store with a meat market to help residents avoid the 26-mile round-trip drive to Moultrie, he said.

Evers said he has spent time talking with Berlin residents, and they have told him they are ready for a change. He wants to be sure to get tough on crime and make Berlin a better place for people to live.