AthChat

On the 28th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards moderated the first Athens Mayoral Debate.  The room was packed. The candidates shared their ideas. It was a great night in Athens. Topics included Housing Crisis and Solutions, Growth vs. Gentrification, Addressing Homelessness, Taxation and Public Services, Local Government and State Relations, Infrastructure and Project Delivery, Eminent Domain: A Double-Edged Sword, Intentional Use of Eminent Domain, The Importance of Sidewalks and Accessibility. See below for a timestamp of topics from the debate. 

You can also find a recording of our livestream here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BQekh7jZV/ 

Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/   

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

Timestamps

00:00: Introduction and Format of the Debate

07:50: Candidates' Opening Statements

17:58: Housing Crisis and Solutions

27:52: Growth vs. Gentrification

38:06: Addressing Homelessness

47:10: Taxation and Public Services

53:59: Local Government and State Relations

01:03:14: Infrastructure and Project Delivery

01:11:21: Eminent Domain: A Double-Edged Sword

01:16:35: Intentional Use of Eminent Domain

01:22:16: The Importance of Sidewalks and Accessibility

01:30:16: Engaging in Candidate Questions

01:47:30: Closing Statements and Future Visions

On the 27th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with Georgia State House District 121 candidate, Eric Gisler. We discuss the special election in December, important issues voters in District 121 care about, and what his strategy is for running a race when early voting starts later this month.

***Reminder: AthChat will be moderating the Athens Mayoral Debate from 5p-7p on Saturday, November, 8th, at Ciné. The event is free to the public. We will be live-streaming it on our Instagram account and will record the event for a podcast episode*** 

Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/  

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

On the 26th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with District 3 Commissioner, Tiffany Taylor. We discuss Tiffany being a 4th(!) generation Athenian, representing inner East Athens, and her nonprofit, Mothers of Black Sons.

Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/  

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

On the 25th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with Georgia House District 120 candidate, Suzanna Karatassos. We discuss issues that impact the state of Georgia, Suzanna’s strategy for connecting with rural voters, and the life of a content creator. 

Suzanna’s campaign’s facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Suzanna-for-Georgia-61580609266395/ 

Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ 

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

On the 24th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with mayoral candidate, Dr. LaKeisha Gantt. We discuss Dr. Gantt’s upbringing in Athens, her experiences as a school board member, and her vision for Athens 

Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ 

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

On the 23rd episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards discuss the unfolding mayoral race. It’s getting wild, folks! Also, AthChat will be hosting a mayoral debate on November, 8th at Ciné from 5-7p. More details to come!

Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ 

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

On the 22nd episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards talk with District 1 Commissioner, Patrick Davenport. We discuss the controversial issue of the proposed location of the fire station on the eastside, moving the route of the Firefly trail, and so much more.

Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ 

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

On the 21st episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards talk with the person behind Athens Politics Nerd, Chris Dowd. We discuss the journalistic balance between asking tough, hard-hitting questions and getting access to good sources, the unfolding mayoral race, housing/homelessness, and more.  

Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ 

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

On the 20th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards talk with Historic Athens’ Executive Director, Tommy Valentine. We discuss the mission of Historic Athens, the UGA President’s mansion development, gentrification, and more.

Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ 

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

On the 19th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards talk with the District 8 Commissioner Carol Myers. We discuss homelessness in Athens, eastside developments, balancing public opinion, bike infrastructure, and more!

Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ 

*the views of the host does not reflect those of their employer.