On the 39th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with candidate for Governor of Georgia, Jason Esteves. We discuss Jason’s journey from middle school teacher to gubernatorial candidate, his vision for Georgia, and how he plans to win

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*the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers. 

On the 38th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with Mayoral candidate Tim Denson. We discuss Tim’s platform for Athens, how he would run commission meetings (Robert’s Rules!), and what his campaign is doing to win in May.

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*the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers. 

On the 37th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with District 5 Commissioner Candidate, Craig Topple. We discuss Craig’s interesting path to living in Athens, his work as a pastor, and his motivations to be a community builder on the County Commission. 

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 *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

On the 36th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards moderated the second Athens Mayoral Debate. Topics included the housing affordability, road safety, immigration policy, homelessness, student housing, community engagement, taxation, community funding, transparency, community engagement, environmental sustainability, zoning changes.

You can also find a recording of our livestream here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1C6xNi5vQ7/ 

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*the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Format of the Debate

02:51 Candidate Opening Statements

09:00 Housing Crisis in Athens

15:05 Policy Decisions for Growth

20:48 Road Safety Concerns

27:50 Immigration and Community Relations

35:57 Addressing Homelessness

40:35 Addressing Homelessness in Athens

46:09 The Role of UGA in Housing

51:58 Student Housing Dilemma

57:57 Zoning and Housing Affordability

01:07:01 Taxation and Community Funding

01:20:54 Budget Priorities and School Funding

01:24:36 Community Engagement and Representation

01:25:03 Trust and Accountability in Leadership

01:30:15 Youth Activism and Protests

01:32:14 Housing Collaboration and Community Needs

01:35:06 Environmental Sustainability and Growth

01:42:06 Revenue Streams and Project Management

01:45:38 Affordable Housing Solutions

01:50:44 Closing Statements and Future Vision

On the 35th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with District 7 Commissioner Candidate, Ed Tolley. We discuss Ed’s long history in Athens, his 50-year+ law career, and his reasons for running for commissioner

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*the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

On the 34th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with District 5 Commissioner Candidate Zander Mason. We discuss Zander’s roots in Athens, his vision for the county, and how he is differentiating himself from the three other candidates in D5.

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*the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

On the 33rd episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with Athens’ mayor, Kelly Girtz. We got a special call-in from State Rep. Spencer Frye who was ‘in session’ at the Georgia State House. We discuss ongoing project in Athens’, the unfolding legislative session at the State House, and Mayor Girtz’s optimism for this year. 

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*the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

On the 32nd episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with Watkinsville’s mayor, Brian Brodrick. We discuss Brian’s service to the city of Watkinsville, thoughtful and swift city development facilitated by public-private partnerships, and more. Is Watkinsville more bike-friendly than Athens?  

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*the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

On the 31st episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with the local outreach coordinator for the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership, Matt Epperson. We discuss Matt’s role as local outreach coordinator, the various options for employee ownership models, and how these options can positively impact local, beloved businesses in Athens. 

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*the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

On the 30th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with mayoral candidate, Sharon Miller. We discuss Sharon’s background in ministry, community building, and her thoughts about Athens’ future.

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*the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.