May 2022 Election Issue

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Letter from the editor Greetings Readers, A little over a year after returning to Athens from Savannah State, I got the opportunity to be involved in local politics. I was brought on by Harry Sims for his campaign to be elected as the first black mayor of Athens.

Harry is a former schoolteacher who had retired from over three decades at Barrow Elementary School. He was also a veteran with over twenty years of experience as District 2 commissioner for Athens.

Though having grown up in Athens, I had no clue who he was. However, I did notice that throughout the campaign, the Harry Sims I grew to know was not the same as the one I saw portrayed in popular media/ forums. Local activists publicly labeled Sims a career teacher as an elite conservative, a republican puppet and, in indirect terms (and at least one direct), an Uncle Tom. Some writers went on to say, “Sims— usually backs the county staff’s recommendations. He’ll let progressive ideas go through the committee system rather than use his power as mayor to block them.”

Noticing this lack of balance in local media is what led me to start Highlight Magazine— creating a platform dedicated to free expression about the intentions of our officials and the overall growth of our community— specifically related to black people, black culture, and black issues.

The divide in our politics seems to have devolved from what used to be a collaborative effort to something now resembling the three shell gambling game, where officials place bets with taxpayer money in hopes of supporting the policy that most effectively and inclusively helps the entire community. This approach welcomes appropriation when other players come into black and minority neighborhoods making noise, adding more complexity, and diverting resources to their causes. We’ve been used as mascots, trophies, and weapons.

Thoughout history our people have been expected to go from picking other peoples’ cotton to picking other peoples’ fights.

So, how has Athens gambled in recent years? The recent increase in commissioner salaries while increasing taxes is

selfish. We have staff shortages and are overworking our current staff while increasing the pay for a volunteer job. Instead, we should be presenting salary increases for employees who have taken on more responsibilities during the pandemic.

Commissioners spent fifty thousand dollars on relocating, not destroying, a Civil War era memorial in response to the murder of George Floyd. It's hard to understand how that benefits anyone struggling financially today. It’s also hard to understand how the three hundred thousand spent on a single-stall downtown toilet is helpful to the many in our community struggling to make ends meet.

I could go on about the many budget items that amount to nothing more than symbolic politics, false promises, and aimless projects. But this is not a new trend. Commissioners tell us with their votes that this is what is needed while very few follow the mayor’s instruction for commissioners to give more time to and for public input from their districts.

We need something new. Be it from existing officials or the breath of fresh air that comes from newly elected ones. We need better. We need more experienced leaders to step up and participate in our community.

It's clear Athens is changing, and we have only a few who are willing to stand up to the game. Unfortunately, for that, they are slandered by our biased local media for stepping out of line.

For our community there is a lot on the line.

Will our voices be drowned out? Will our needs be overshadowed? Will our causes be stolen to fill the growing wish lists and budgets of opportunists? Folks claim they want to fight the history of white supremacy in this area, but do they really want to, or would they rather simply replace it with themselves at the top?

Highli Hi ghlight ght Mag Ma gazine

Editor in Chief/ Photographer Ron Lamon Carson Jr.

Copy Editor Troy Copeland Contributor Tiffany Moment

CONTENTS Letter from 1 the editor Bennie coleman 2 Kelly Girtz 4 Mara zuniga 8 Dexter fisher 12 Matt pulver 14 Allen jones 18 John culpepper 20 not another gun 25

After all, the supposedly offensive monuviolence "sob story" ment wasn't destroyed.

It was moved closer to black people though.

Thank you for your patience, Ron Lamon Carson Jr. thehighlightmagazine@gmail.com HIGHLIGHT

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Bennie coleman

Mayoral candidate

How detrimental is crime to developing affordable housing? What have you seen histori- Are the city's efforts to attract living wage jobs cally and currently from the mayor and commission adequate? that supports equitable safety? How have they impacted the desire to build affordable housing?

There are no efforts to attract living wage jobs What would you change? Why? for either the non-college educated, the lower class citizens, or the ones who don’t have a negative history When I become the Mayor I would work for as in Athens Clarke County. many people in Athens as I can. This is a sad statement - crime makes people money and gives power Big businesses and some small businesses to those who seek it. downtown Athens surrounding the UGA [campus] prefer more of a student scene. Big businesses hire A city like Athens, where many different people our people as temporary helpers. This is a way to live, having different beliefs from country to country feed the government through big business. The labor welcome crime when it doesn't involve them. The department is controlled by the At Will Law stating any little people who don’t believe in education will always employer can terminate any employee at will. This be in still waters. It’s time to flip the switch! Wakeup! I Pandora’s Box needs to be closed. have not seen equitable safety. The only desire I see is from two commissioners.

Black people need to be aware of all laws. We need to make sure that our children get an education, Affordable housing should be built for Athens attend an in person college, trade school or work on Clarke County citizens only; let's focus on that! Blood a job-training job. Do not vote for the party, vote for families need to focus on the fact that when blood fami- the character of the person in the party. It’s time to flip lies are together, there is less homelessness. Since the switch. We have been voting only for one party for the arrival of slave ships, Black people have been generations and we have been in the same slave ship conditioned to focus on others’ families; it’s time to for generations. Pray, read, research…pray, read, and flip switch. research the character of candidates. I, Bennie Lee Coleman III, will ask the Honorable Governor Brian This community is about to have its fourth police P. Kemp to end the At will Law. This will give hope. chief in eight years. How would you evaluate the The Honorable Governor, Mr. Brian P. Kemp would impact this has had and will have on public safety make history in the whole state of Georgia. Our Black in Athens? Explain and assess the role that you president didn’t close the Pandora’s Box: the At Will think the mayor and commission have played in Law. hiring and retaining a police chief? Discuss what you believe to be the mayor’s and commission’s What is the best district specific achievement of contribution to attracting and retaining high qual- the prior holder of the office you seek? What is the ity police officers. district specific thing he could have done better?

The chief and safety are important to the people of Athens Clarke County. We as Black people along with the chief need to build a trusting relationship with police officers, the sheriff department and the fire department. Four police chiefs in four years shows no unity among the mayor, commission and UGA.

The best thing that the mayor of Athens Clarke County could have done is stop raining fear down on Athens by using COVID-19 as a reason to separate the lifestyles of the people of Athens Clarke County.

For some reason Christians have not been the light of Jesus Christ.

Trust in The Father in all seasons. What man does The role of the Mayor and Commission is the to God's children, they will answer. Stop fearing what first and last step in hiring a police chief: run a back- man controls. Love and fear God with all of your heart. ground check, have three interviews, and check the last and current employment. Next, ask the local news- With what parts of the Athens Public Safety overpaper to check news stories, ask churches, ask barber sight committee’s formation and function do you shops, ask schools, ask small and large business, agree? With what parts do you disagree? and, last, ask around in good and bad neighborhoods I’m taking the fifth, which is my constitutional about the performance of the chief of police. right. The Athens public safety oversight committee The Mayor and Commission need to be people formation and function needs to be more open to all people. The Mayor and Commission need not be people. Given information in layman’s terms from the indebted to either the rich or poor. Hiring high quality highest educated to the lowest of the low. police officers and retaining them is based on their character.

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Kelly Girtz

Current Mayor seeking re-election

How detrimental is crime to developing affordable housing? What have you seen historically and currently from the mayor and commission that supports equitable safety? How have they impacted the desire to build affordable housing?

What would you change? Why?

trict specific item could you have done better?

As Mayor I am very proud of having maintained the lowest COVID mortality rate in Georgia, and having committed to a variety of housing availability and affordability tools, including devoting more of our SPLOST package to affordable housing than any other jurisdiction in the state, and the creation of the Inclusionary Zoning ordinance. Our work to bolster employment opportunities (as noted above) is also critical. In addition, our focus on youth work and behavioral health is a model effort that will have beneficial long-term consequences. All of these efforts need to be heightened in the years ahead.

It has been widely demonstrated that mixedincome housing dramatically reduces crime relative to exclusively high-poverty areas. This is true in the Columbia Brookside development constructed while I was on the Commission, and will be true in the development now underway in North Downtown. When children are less exposed to trauma and uncertainty associated with crime, they are healthier and more academically successful. We will work to replicate Are the city's efforts to attract living wage jobs with success wherever possible. adequate?

This community is about to have its fourth police chief in eight years. How would you evaluate the impact this has had and will have on public safety in Athens? Explain and assess the role that you think the mayor and commission have played in hiring and retaining a police chief? Discuss what you believe to be the mayor’s and commission’s contribution to attracting and retaining high quality police officers.

As the funding and legislative arm of local government, the Mayor and Commission set policy and provide the resources necessary for successful public safety efforts including the police department.

To that end, we have raised the floor salary for an entry level officer to $47,000/year with a separate $3000 hiring bonus, and I am recommending a further salary increase in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. In addition, we have extended take-home car privileges to all officers. We have also provided resources to expand behavioral health response support with additional co-responder teams (pairing ACCPD officers with clinicians and a crisis response behavioral health unit).

In addition, we have provided munitions identification equipment to more rapidly connect firearms to crimes and prevent future crimes. All of that works to create a supportive environment for officers from the street to the Chief.

We are always growing our efforts to grow and attract high wage employment. The siting of RWDC, a UGA-birthed business (from their New Materials Institute) that converts used vegetable oil into a compostable substitute for plastic, along with expansions at the Beohringer Ingleheim animal vaccine facility each employ hundreds of people in Athens in the high five-figure and six-figure ranges. Those have been joined by locally-owned businesses such as Kindercore Vinyl, Creature Comforts Brewing, and dozens of others. With the newly created position in our Economic Development Department focused on minority-owned, women-owned, and creative businesses, we want to make every entrepreneur in Athens a success.

With what parts of the Athens Public Safety oversight committee’s formation and function do you agree? With what parts do you disagree?

Given the nature of the pandemic, the stress and trauma everyone has been under, and the distance created by online engagement forums, the early conversations by the oversight body formation task force were difficult. However, at its core, the Public Safety Oversight Commission provides an opportunity to look broadly at proactive opportunities for our Public Safety units, as well as after-action analysis, as in the hundreds of other cities with similar resident bodies.

Ultimately, this provides another outlet for engagement What is the best district specific achievement of between the community and local government. the prior holder of the office you seek? What disHIGHLIGHT

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Mara Zuniga Mayoral Candidate How detrimental is crime to developing affordable housing? What have you seen historically and currently from the mayor and commission that supports equitable safety? How have they impacted the desire to build affordable housing? What would you change?

Why?

Crime is a huge factor affecting any neighborhood looking for improvement and progress. The term equitable safety would seem to indicate that all neighborhoods should be equally safe. The current mayor and commission have not done anything towards this goal. In fact, they have exacerbated the disparity between neighborhoods by reducing the capacity of the police department to protect all neighborhoods. Affordable housing has been limited in higher crime neighborhoods. I would put more community cops in the area to establish a relationship with the community, relate to youth, and participate in community programs/sports. This will build common trust with kids who are vulnerable and deter crime.

Are the city’s efforts to attract living wage jobs adequate?

The major creator of jobs and the backbone of any vital economy is small business entrepreneurs. Oconee County is in the top 10 counties for the highest concentration of small businesses in Georgia.

In Oconee County, 35.59% of tax returns are from small businesses, second only to Gwinnett’s 36.35%. Small business income accounts for 16.85% of total income in Oconee. Athens Clarke County has lagged behind by focusing on only bringing in businesses requiring employees with college degrees, instead of efforts to promote and develop small business entrepreneurs from within the community. Developing home-grown small businesses allows Athenians to break out of the service industry and its many exploitations to create their own destiny based on their own visions and hard work. To do that, Athens' local government needs to provide a regulatory environment that promotes the growth of small businesses. We can do better. We This Community is about to have its fourth police chief must do better. in eight years. How would you evaluate the impact this has had and will have on public safety in Athens?

What is the best district specific achievement of the prior holder of the office you seek? What is the district Relationships with departmental leaders take time specific thing he could have done better? to develop, grow, and create trust. Leadership instability can often have an adverse effect on department morale The best district specific achievement for Mayor which, in turn, impacts the department’s ability to maintain Girtz is projecting that district 9 is doing well; however, that a responsive and effective public safety program. is not true for the entire district. This is the first time ever that SPLOST dollars have finally been allocated to District Explain and assess the role that you think the mayor 9, even though they have always paid the penny tax for and commission have played in hiring and retaining services and infrastructure. They will be receiving only 8.2 a police chief? million out of 22 million requested and 8 projects out of 14 from the 2018 SPLOST. These long-needed items such It’s important to foster a strong, mutually respectful as lighting, sidewalks, speed bumps etc. could have been relationship between the local government and the Police funded all along instead of waiting until this year.

Department. The Mayor and Commission’s sustained efforts to defund the police, accompanied with public oppo- With what parts of the Athens Public Safety oversight sition to needed funding for continuation of the Drug Task committee’s formation and function do you agree?

Force and purchase of new equipment, sends a strong With what parts do you disagree? message of a lack of confidence in the Department and its leadership.

A public safety committee composed not only of community members and business leaders but of subject Discuss what you believe to be the mayor’s and com- matter experts, experienced in the field of law enforcement, mission’s contribution to attracting and retaining high can contribute to building trust in the community. quality police officers.

The Athens Public Safety Oversight Committee The mayor and commission approve or decline was formed specifically excluding a voting member from pay raises, grants for task forces, and for life-saving equip- law enforcement personnel. In addition, the Mayor and ment. If the mayor and commission are not supportive Commission chose to hand-pick candidates to fill the board of these spending initiatives, especially the purchase of based on their own agenda. life saving equipment, it sends a strong message impacting law enforcement morale. This public lack of support There are many processes already in place to is detrimental to the recruitment and retention of quality review police actions and discipline where necessary. This applicants. It is essential that the Mayor and Commission committee appears to have little enforcement capability; support the police department both publicly and with the however, it does have the potential to cause police officers necessary program funding to attract and retain a quality to second guess their actions in life threatening situations police force. as well as negatively impact morale.

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We’ve been through challenging times, but we’re rebounding now.

We never stopped making progress.

Jobs & Economic Development n Over the past year, we’ve seen record levels of new business openings and record levels of sales tax revenues. n We raised the minimum wage to $15 an hour for all ACC government employees. n We’ve attracted new employers in film, tech, healthcare and other industries—bringing in millions in private investment and creating hundreds of jobs.

Yes, we’ve made progress, but there’s much more work to do to create a healthier, more prosperous Athens for all, with stronger housing and employment opportunities and brighter futures for our children. I want the chance to continue this work together.”

Kelly Girtz

n We’re helping local businesses navigate expansion efforts and working to make sure businesses in and from all communities can be a full part of the local economy.

Affordable Housing

Opportunities for Youth n We steered millions of new dollars into youth support programs to create a brighter future for young people and the Athens community. n We launched the Athens Community Corps, and relaunched the Grand Slam summer youth program, and expanded the Young Urban Farmers and the Young Urban Builders programs to give youth real on-the-job experiences and real wages.

n We created an inclusionary zoning ordinance to encourage developers to include significant amounts of new affordable housing in their projects.

n With the North Downtown/Bethel Midtown village n We’re working to become better partners with CCSD so that our kids can benefit from a more project, we’re bringing more than 500 additional structured, focused collaboration among parents, bedrooms of below-market housing to a desirable schools and local government. downtown location. n We’re already working with residents in the East Athens/Nellie B community on revitalization efforts that will bring more housing. n We’ve expanded local capacity to shelter people and families without homes.

Paid for by Vote Girtz

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Proven Leadership Vote Girtz Tuesday, May 24 www.votegirtz.com

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dexter fisher

Candidate for district 5 commissioner

How detrimental is crime to developing affordable housing? What have you seen historically and currently from the mayor and commission that supports equitable safety? How have they impacted the desire to build affordable housing? What would you change? Why?

What is the best district specific achievement of the prior holder of the office you seek? What is the district specific thing he could have done better?

*I would think if a developer were looking to build affordable housing, one of the things that may be considered is if the land or project is in a high crime area. No one would want to live in a high crime community. The majority of people want to live in an area that is safe for them and their families.

As the Mayor or Commissioners, we should always strive to find the best possible space to build affordable housing, we have to be strategic about the location and work with the developer to ensure that the homes or apartments are built to provide the safety and amenities for families and young professionals.

With what parts of the Athens Public Safety oversight committee’s formation and function do you agree? With what parts do you disagree?

No comment.

I would not have supported an Athens Public Safety oversight committee, what I would support is more training for our Public Safety Officers in the areas of de-escalation, racial bias, and mental health awareness while supporting the hiring of officers which reflect the community that they work in.

This community is about to have its fourth police chief in eight years. How would you evaluate the impact this has had and will have on public safety in Athens? *One of the major impacts of the continuous turnover of police chiefs would have to be on the overall morale of the men and women who have not had consistent leadership over the last eight years. In order for any organization or department to perform at a high level, a leader needs to be in place to maintain stability, provide direction, and help with the growth of employees in order to provide quality public safety for our community.

Explain and assess the role that you think the mayor and commission have played in hiring and retaining a police chief?

I am sure the Mayor and Commissioners provide input and make some recommendations and suggestions, but the actual hiring of a Police Chief rests solely with the County Manager, who makes the final decision.

Discuss what you believe to be the mayor’s and commission’s contribution to attracting and retaining high quality police officers.

As elected officials, it is the Mayor and Commission’s responsibility to ensure that the quality of life in the community is welcoming and that the Police Chief will be supported by the Mayor and Commission during their tenure in our community.

Are the city's efforts to attract living wage jobs adequate?

Yes. However, with the current economic climate, this is an area that may need reassessing in an effort to meet the needs of our community.

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Matt Pulver

candidate for district 5 commissioner

How detrimental is crime to developing affordable housing? What have you seen historically and currently from the mayor and commission that supports equitable safety?

How have they impacted the desire to build affordable housing? What would you change? Why?

government is actively funding ways to make their jobs easier.

Police are tasked with too much in America: mental health issues, addiction issues, domestic conflicts, juvenile matters, our unhoused population. Police are not trained for all these circumstances, nor are they paid enough to be tasked with all of those concerns. Our progressive local government aims to In the wake of the police murders of Michael Brown, George provide experts for those calls, unburdening police officers Floyd and so many others in recent years, our mayor and com- who have to address all those matters so often by themselves. mission have pursued policies to ensure that Athens-Clarke County Police treat all citizens of Athens equally. We should Are the city’s efforts to attract living wage jobs adequate? not have police that act one way in white neighborhoods and We must establish more jobs that pay a living wage. People another, more reckless way with Black Athenians. struggling financially in Athens aren’t in that place because of I look forward to the day when the police are not feared by laziness; they’re there because their jobs don’t pay enough. some communities and overly adored by others. There is an Athens regularly has one of the lowest unemployment rates important role for police in keeping us safe and strengthening you can find anywhere. Many Athenians work more than one neighborhoods, whether rich, poor or in between. job. Our poverty and income inequality crisis is directly due to employers not paying living wages.

This community is about to have its fourth police chief in eight years. How would you evaluate the impact this has There are a number of tools we can use to attack this problem. Athens-Clarke County should pursue community benefits had and will have on public safety in Athens? agreements (CBAs) with new employers, where a certain wage It is estimated that the national police chief turnover rate is level is agreed upon as the minimum. If we can mandate how around 25% per year, so ACCPD’s difficulties aren’t too unusual. many parking spaces and trees a new commercial developThis is a national problem. Also, it should be noted that Chief ment must have, we should also be able to establish a wage Spruill’s departure was due to retirement. That said, it can be floor as well. Unfortunately, we will also have to lobby the state disruptive in any workplace to have frequent turnover in man- legislature to secure local control for agreements like these. agement. But professionals in any field must maintain their professionalism despite what happens at the executive level. We also need to ensure Athenians have the ability to organize with their coworkers to advocate for higher wages and better Ultimately, our ability to get families out of poverty is what will conditions at work. determine public safety in Athens. Higher wages and more economic stability is what will make us safe. The place of police What is the best district specific achievement of the prior is typically after a crime has occurred. I’m most interested in holder of the office you seek? What is the district specific stopping the crime before it happens. thing he could have done better?

Explain and assess the role that you think the mayor and Two of Commissioner Denson’s initiatives benefited many in my commission have played in hiring and retaining a police district: raising the minimum wage to $15 for all ACC employchief? ees and leading the charge to make Athens' bus service free.

Both victories help people in my district. It’s difficult to name It is important to emphasize in our search for a police chief that a complaint I have with Commissioner Denson. I had planned Athens is pursuing a modern, innovative, and reformed police on happily voting for him until the Republicans made him inelidepartment. We must communicate to potential hires the sort gible to run. of policing we expect to see. They should also be made aware of the creation of our Public Safety Civilian Oversight Board, With what parts of the Athens Public Safety oversight which is tasked with reviewing allegations of officer miscon- committee’s formation and function do you agree? With duct and abuse of citizens. We’ve seen too many instances of what parts do you disagree? unlawful police violence in America, especially against Black Americans, and it is long past time to establish ways of fighting I agree that any time we have an armed force there should crime without spreading fear and mistrust among Black citizens. be substantial civilian oversight. America does this with its military, which is ultimately overseen and commanded by civilDiscuss what you believe to be the mayor’s and commis- ians, not military officers. I believe that until American police sion’s contribution to attracting and retaining high quality demonstrate that they treat citizens of all races the same and police officers. restrain themselves from using unnecessary violence, we will need oversight. If I have a complaint about the oversight board’s Again, it should be made clear to prospective officers that formation it would be about communicating the need and purAthens is pursuing a modern, innovative and reformed police pose to citizens who may not understand it. I think there are department. Police misconduct will be subject to civilian over- perhaps some misunderstandings about the board that might sight. But we should also let potential hires know that our local be helped with better communication.

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Allen jones

candidate for district 7 commissioner

How detrimental is crime to developing affordable housing? What have you seen historically and currently from the mayor and commission that supports equitable safety? How have they impacted the desire to build affordable housing? What would you change? Why? Responsible redevelopment of blighted areas leads to a stronger sense of place and belonging within them as does developing gathering areas within these neighborhoods that inspire a sense of community. More cohesive neighborhoods are safer neighborhoods.

Athens recently established six “Tax Allocation Districts” in blighted areas that will pump taxes collected within them back into their revitalization.

This community is about to have its fourth police chief in eight years. How would you evaluate the impact this has had and will have on public safety in Athens?

On average, a police chief’s tenure in today’s time is around 3 years. While the turnover in Athens does appear to be higher than that, it’s important that we are looking for a police chief who is committed to serving Athens for an extended period of time. This will allow for cohesive and consistent training, policies, and leadership. To better understand how this has affected morale of those who work in Public Safety and what type of person we should be looking for, I plan to be in communication with the men, women, and people who serve us in law enforcement everyday. I will begin this soon with my enrollment in Athens’ citizen’s police academy.

with support when it comes to mental health access and trauma. These individuals often encounter high stress situations that would cause any of us distress in the aftermath. We’ve got to help take care of their mental health not only after a high-stress situation occurs, but prepare them to enter those high stress situations in the first place.

Are the city's efforts to attract living wage jobs adequate?

I believe we have seen much improvement when it comes to the city providing higher wage jobs for city and county employees, however our efforts to attract living wage jobs must be improved. As a small business owner and job creator, I know the importance of paying your employees a living, honest wage. I also know the importance of our government ensuring that when companies are looking to Athens-Clarke County for incentives or tax breaks to come to our city, that they should also be expecting to pay the residents they employ a living wage of at least $15 an hour.

What is the best district specific achievement of the prior holder of the office you seek? What is the district specific thing he could have done better?

The new District 7 is just that: New. While some areas have been represented by Commissioner Hamby and others by Commissioner Edwards, We have a unique opportunity to redefine what is needed for the Timothy Road corridor, for Jennings Mill and South Milledge, and for our friends in Beechwood Hills. I have personally been able to be involved in safety improvements on the Explain and assess the role that you think the mayor Timothy Road corridor, from installing pedestrian crossand commission have played in hiring and retaining ings and addressing speeds to cleaning up our rivers a police chief? and streams to fighting for funding to make our corridor less car dependent.

The Mayor and Commission should be seeking the most experienced person for the job, with a record With what parts of the Athens Public Safety oversight of level-headed leadership, the demeanor required to do committee’s formation and function do you agree? the high stress job, and should provide the necessary With what parts do you disagree? resources for them to get the job done.

I agree that oversight is needed. Every profesDiscuss what you believe to be the mayor’s and com- sion has an oversight group that looks to make sure their mission’s contribution to attracting and retaining actions are appropriate. One thing I would like to see high quality police officers. more of as we move forward in regards to oversight is diversity of thought, opinion, and experience. We should Athens-Clarke County should continue to provide have everyone at the table on these issues, including competitive pay to our public safety employees, while those in law enforcement and those who are both in recruiting the best and brightest to do the toughest job. In support of and critical of law enforcement. addition to providing competitive salaries, we should also be examining how to provide Law Enforcement officers HIGHLIGHT

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John Culpepper How detrimental is crime to developing affordable housing? What have you seen historically and currently from the mayor and commission that supports equitable safety? How have they impacted the desire to build affordable housing? What would you change? Why?

It’s no secret that Athens-Clarke County is facing a significant housing and homelessness crisis. Many families who have called Athens home for decades are now being faced with skyrocketing property taxes that in some cases are forcing them out of their homes. As a Commissioner, I will put my small businessman experiences to work to immediately identify solutions to lower your property taxes without sacrificing public services so you and your family won’t be forced from your home.

candidate for district 7 commissioner

don’t sacrifice too much as a city. As a small businessman on the county commission, I will be laser focused on helping attracted quality economic development projects that will preserve our quality of life but also create good paying jobs for our community. It is also essential that as our community continues to grow, we make meaningful investments and improvements to our infrastructure. Particularly here in District 7 we must make significant investments to improve the Timothy Road corridor to ensure traffic is managed properly and residents feel safe.

In addition, we should encourage and support positive investments in our community such as the great work being done to revitalize the Beechwood Shopping Center along Alps Road. In my day job I own and operate Express Employment Solutions, where we partner with industries to find, train, and place a workforce for companies. Workforce development is key to any community that wishes to attract high quality businesses and industry with good paying jobs. I am someone that will be ready one day one to tackle these issues.

This community is about to have its fourth police chief in eight years. How would you evaluate the impact this has had and will have on public safety in Athens? Explain and assess the role that you think the mayor and commission have played in hiring and retaining a police chief? Discuss what you believe to be the mayor’s and commission’s What is the best district specific achievement of contribution to attracting and retaining high quality the prior holder of the office you seek? What is the police officers. district specific thing he could have done better?

What is the best district specific achievement of One of the main roles of local government is the prior holder of the office you seek? What is the providing public safety to its residents, visitors, and district specific thing he could have done better? business owners. Currently, Athens-Clarke County If given the honor of serving the residents of Police Department ranks our city with a “D” as it relates to violent crime. This is unacceptable and is something District 7 and all of Athens-Clarke County as their that we as a community must continue to work on. As next Commissioner, I will be a leader who will work a County Commissioner, I will work hand in hand with hard every day to fight for ALL of our community and our talented law enforcement partners to ensure they bring everyone together to work towards our common have the training and resources they need to keep our goals. I want to partner with those in our community to work hard to continue to make Athens a great place to families safe. live, work, and raise a family for generations to come.

No one should have to fear for themselves or Specifically, as it relates to the property tax issues, I their loved ones while walking the streets of our city. feel that we need to work hard to make Athens more It is imperative that we also work with our partners at affordable for all. the Athens-Clarke County School District to be sure we are investing in mentor programs and other after On the campaign trail I have heard from dozens school programs to keep our children engaged in posi- of District 7 residents who have shared their concerns tive activities to avoid the risk of our children getting with skyrocketing property tax bills each year. In some involved in gangs and other criminal activities. cases, this is resulting in folks not being able to afford to stay int their home.

Are the city's efforts to attract living wage jobs adequate?

I share these residents’ frustrations and as a Commissioner I will fight to roll back the millage rate to Athens is a great place to live, work, and raise be in line with rising property tax valuations. It is impora family- and it’s important that we keep it that way. As tant we explore ways to make Athens more affordable we continue to grow as a city together it is vital that we for all who wish to call the Classic City home.

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COMING SOON! THE CLASSIC CENTER

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Now Enrolling African American Families At the Center for Family Research, we’re working to learn about the health of African Americans & need your help.

Participation involves: • Families with kids 10–13 years old • Eligible participants can earn up to $850 • Child providing a blood sample and fMRI scan • Caregiver and child completing a survey Principal Investigator: Dr. Gene Brody Center for Family Research 1095 College Station Rd 706-425-2992

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Medicare Open Enrollment is Here!

October 15th to December 7th GeorgiaCares can help you find lower premiums, extra benefits, and a plan that better fits your health needs.

706-549-4850 www.accaging.org

Building Careers and Relationships in Athens since 1979.

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Not another gun violence "sob Story" Gun violence is not a new issue in Athens Clarke County. It's often used as a political talking point during city council meetings and an issue on which Athens Clarke County Police Department builds a strategy.

Most importantly, however, gun violence in Athens is a topic that leads to countless cries for help from victims' families. Much too often, responses to gun violence from Athens community members live and die on social media with emotionally charged posts that speak to the very real pain plaguing our community, but unfortunately little sustained action comes from it.

On July 22, 2019, Auriel “Thumpa'' Callaway tragically lost her life to a senseless act of gun violence.

Thumpa was loved and respected by the Athens community at large and is regarded as a legend. Her untimely death left our community wounded, but sparked necessary conversation on gun violence in Athens in a way that very seldom occurs: East Side and West Side residents honored Thumpa during the annual Clarke Central vs Cedar Shoals rivalry basketball game.

Thumpa’s family hosted a gun buyback event that got over 30 guns off of the street, and various “Stop the Violence” events occured in her memory.

The effort to keep Thumpa’s name alive continued when in November of 2021 I was made aware through an Instagram post by local rapper and close friend of Thumpa, Dontarrious “Catchone Baldie'' Brown, that the “Thumpa Ave '' community sign that residents of Clarke Gardens created was removed by ACC officials. Instead of using our time and energy blasting these officials for their lack of care for a community memorial, we focused on figuring out how to officially and permanently get this sign up. With the organizing efforts of Brown, the support of Thumpa’s mother and sister, Lashanda Callaway and Keaira Rucker, ACC Commissioners Allison Wright and Mariah Parker, and over 2,000 Athens residents (near and far) who signed and shared our petition, we got it done. On December 7, 2021, Carriage Court was officially changed to Thumpa Ave. But our work is not done.

As admirable and impactful as our effort to keep Thumpa’s name alive is, one street sign will not eradicate gun violence in Athens. The solution requires us to think much more creatively and will take the collaboration of city officials, non profit organizations, community members, and youth.

gun violence, to point fingers at “bad parenting, '' or to “rap music”, the more difficult task would require us to take a long look at ourselves and our community and ask, “why?” and “when is it going to stop?” Or “why does it start in the first place?” The tougher task is looking at root causes like poverty, food and housing insecurity, lack of employment opportunities, addiction, education, lack of strong community programs, etc. There is power in group dialogue, and at some point action must occur.

CALL TO ACTION: Don’t Stop Talking on social media, dialogue is good!

Mentor a young person within your community.

Create a petition, reach out to community officials,hold those in power accountable.

Volunteer within the Athens Clarke County school district Attend and participate in city council meetings Vote in local elections and encourage others to vote.

Host a “stop the violence” event Find local nonprofits and organizations to volunteer/ donate.

Collaborate with family, community orgs and other community activists!

Listen to youth! Speak with young people about their thoughts on community solutions.

This list is in no way exhaustive and is not meant to be, it is instead my contribution to a conversation on gun violence that we should all be having. Thumpa Ave is an example of what can be created when we organize.

We turned an Instagram post into a movement.

Imagine what we can do when we think holistically about community solutions and realize that together WE CAN SAVE OURSELVES. This is not another “sob story” about gun violence. This is a letter highlighting community resilience. This is a Call to Action. ……

Auriel “Thumpa” Callaway was never supposed to be a hashtag memorial.Thumpa is supposed to be here, alive.

Let us honor her memory in our ACTIONS.

It is easy to place blame on young people for By: Alesha Smith and Cherranda Smith HIGHLIGHT 25

Events

Police chief spruill retirement After 35 years of service in the police force, the cherished Police Chief Cleveland Spruill celebrated his retirement with community members. With outspoken testimonies, you can really tell the honor others felt working with the chief. Though the city manager has begun a national search for a replacement, former Chief Spruill indicated he would like one of his subordinate officers to be selected as chief. Those in attendance were city manager Blaine Williams(Right), Julita Sanders(Left), Jeff Clarke(Bottom), and Frank Platt(Bottom). Commissioners Russell Edwards, Ovita Thornton, Patrick Davenport, and Carol Myers.

CCSD Fa mily f un day On Saturday April 23rd, 2022 the Clarke County School District hosted a Family Fun Day at Holland Park. It is clear the pandemic is not holding families back from enjoying the spring heat. The effects of the pandemic and our growing population has separated our community. The school district's goal has been to make sure those communities have access to resources and nurtured connections with staff. Even in all that's going on, it's good to see CCSD trying to bridge this gap.

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Emergent launch event The MBNA Emergent Launch and Learn event sponsored by GA Power, was held in February at EADC. Budding entrepreneurs came together to sit with experienced entrepreneurs and learn from them. This half day workshop gave inside tips on how to market and brand your business, using social media strategies, and engaging with customers. The panel included MBNA Co-founder and financial advisor Michele Pearson Tucker with client experience and goal setting tips.

Rashe Malcolm shared her networking and nonprofit grant advice. For more info go to TheMBNA.org.

Steak and Steak Dinner

On April 19th, 2022 after two years of the pandemic, the Boys and Girls Club of Athens hosted their annual Steak and Steak Fundraising Dinner. The night started out with Jahmori Sims performing the Star Spangled Banner, followed by an introduction from the new CEO Robert Finch on his hopes for the new programs coming to BGCA. Kids interviewed UGA Athletic Director Josh Brooks on what we can expect from the ‘Dogs this season. Youth of the year awards were presented to Dayneris Gonzalez Gomez, Larry Robbins, and Delyvia Griffith. Mark Jennings CEO of Athens Construction Group was presented the Newland-Benson Visionary Award for his work withing the program..

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2022 Primary candidate Ballot Highlight Magazine intends to provide readers information needed to vote on May 24, 2022.. This candidate directory is a call to action for readers to reach out to about the issues they want addressed.

Candidate Name

Office

Occupation

Contact

Bennie Coleman

Mayor

Retired

thump777zz@yahoo.com

Kelly Girtz

Mayor

Public Education Admin

votegirtz.com

Pearl Hall Fred Moorman Mykeisha Ross Mara Zuniga Patrick Davenport

Mayor

Retired

pearlhall52@yahoo.com

Mayor

Doctor

fredshp@gmail.com

Mayor

Community Liason

rossmykeisha@gmail.com

Mayor

Business Owner

maraformayor.com

District 1 Commissioner

Business Owner

patrickfordistrict1.com

Audrey Hughes

District 1 Commissioner

Teacher

awh1922@gmail.com

Tiffany Taylor Asia Thomas Jared Bailey Dexter Fisher Matt Pulver John Culpepper Allen Jones Ovita Thornton James Alexander Heidi Hensley Linda Davis Deston Anderson Tim Denson Lakeisha S Gantt Mark Evans Elder Johnson Will Fleenor Ray Rozier Catherine Davis Brian Kemp David Perdue Kandiss Taylor Tom Williams Stacey Abrams David Belle Isle Jody Hice T.J. Hudson Brad Raffensperger Dee Dawkins-Haigler John Eaves Floyd Griffin Bee Nguyen Michael Owens

District 3 Commissioner

Business Owner

shawdaytaylor017@gmail.com

District 3 Commissioner

Store Manager

asiajthomas@icloud.com

District 5 Commisioner

Commisioner

jaredhbailey@gmail.com

District 5 Commissioner

COO CCSD

dexterfisher@gmail.com

District 5 Commissioner

Master Natrualist

mattpulverforathens.com

District 7 Commissioner

Business Owner

culpepperforathens.com

District 7 Commissioner

Healthcare Tech

allenfor7.com

District 9 Commissioner

Nonprofit Director

ovita1429@gmail.com

Board of Edu District 1

Work Force Developer

jamesforschoolboard.com

Board of Edu District 1

Artist

heidi@heidihensleyart.com

Board of Edu District 3

Self Employed

davis.lindae@gmail.com

Board of Edu District 5

Barber

aoegottie@gmail.com

Board of Edu District 5

Community Organizer

timmdenson@gmail.com

Board of Edu District 7

Licensed Psychologist

N/A

Board of Edu District 9

Professor

markevans@piedmont.edu

Board of Edu District 9

Salesman

ebj10@outlook.com

Solicitor General

Attorney

wfleenor@gmail.com

Soil & Water Conservation

District Supervisor

N/A

Governor

Pres: Restoration Project

catherineinthecaptiol.com

Governor

Business Owner

briankemp2022.com

Governor

Businessman

voteperdue.com

Governor

Student Coordinator

Kandisstaylor.com

Governor

Retired

tommwilliamsforga.com

Governor

Author

staceyabrams.com

Secretary of State

Business Owner

davidbelleisle.com

Secretary of State

US Congressman

jodyhice.com

Secretary of State

County Manager

tjforgeorgia.com

Secretary of State

Engineer

bradforgeorgiasos.com

Secretary of State

Minister/Consultant

deeforgeorgia.com

Secretary of State

Educator

johneavesforgeorgia.com

Secretary of State

Retired

floydforgeorgia.com

Secretary of State

Nonprofit Director

beeforgeorgia.com

Secretary of State

Cyber Security Exec

owensforgeorgia.com

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