Qualifying for the May 22 primary and non-partisan local elections is underway, and Athens voters can look forward to a very busy campaign season.
A busy first day of candidate qualifying for local races in Athens-Clarke County yesterday, with former ACC Commissioner Harry Sims and current District 9 Commissioner Kelly Girtz both filing paperwork to run for Mayor.
Three incumbent ACC Commissioners also face opposition as of mid-day Tuesday. In District 1, incumbent Sharyn Dickerson will face business owner Patrick Davenport; in District 3, incumbent Melissa Link will face off against Tony Eubanks, and in District 5, incumbent Jared Bailey will be challenged by community organizer and former mayoral candidate Tim Denson.
In other local races, Mariah Parker and Taylor Pass have qualified to run in ACC District 2, the seat formerly held by Harry Sims; attorney Russell Edwards has qualified in District 7, and Tommy Valentine has qualified in District 9.
Candidate qualifying closes at noon on Friday, March 9.
