AthChat

On the 42nd episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with District 10 County Commissioner, Mike Hamby. We discuss Mike’s views on compromise and getting things done, homelessness in Athens-Clarke county, and his thoughts on the mayoral race.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 41st episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with candidate for County Commission District 5, Rick Stanziale. We discuss Rick’s multidecade service to Athens-Clarke County, his vision for density and growth, and his leadership style for making change. *note that we had an audio issue, so there is a hard cut around 4 minutes into the episode. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER!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 40th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with candidate for County Commission District 5, Kimberly Bennett. We discuss the interrelated issues of affordable housing, homelessness, and student housing. We also chat about the relationship between the public and developers and how to best create community spaces for everyone.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 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 winCheck 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 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.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 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. 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 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/ 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.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Format of the Debate02:51 Candidate Opening Statements09:00 Housing Crisis in Athens15:05 Policy Decisions for Growth20:48 Road Safety Concerns27:50 Immigration and Community Relations35:57 Addressing Homelessness40:35 Addressing Homelessness in Athens46:09 The Role of UGA in Housing51:58 Student Housing Dilemma57:57 Zoning and Housing Affordability01:07:01 Taxation and Community Funding01:20:54 Budget Priorities and School Funding01:24:36 Community Engagement and Representation01:25:03 Trust and Accountability in Leadership01:30:15 Youth Activism and Protests01:32:14 Housing Collaboration and Community Needs01:35:06 Environmental Sustainability and Growth01:42:06 Revenue Streams and Project Management01:45:38 Affordable Housing Solutions01:50:44 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 commissionerCheck 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 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.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 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. 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 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?  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 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. 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 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.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 29th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with county commissioner and mayoral candidate, Dexter Fisher. We discuss his campaign roll out, many of his policy ideas, and some of his more controversial votes. 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 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.Timestamps00:00: Introduction and Format of the Debate07:50: Candidates' Opening Statements17:58: Housing Crisis and Solutions27:52: Growth vs. Gentrification38:06: Addressing Homelessness47:10: Taxation and Public Services53:59: Local Government and State Relations01:03:14: Infrastructure and Project Delivery01:11:21: Eminent Domain: A Double-Edged Sword01:16:35: Intentional Use of Eminent Domain01:22:16: The Importance of Sidewalks and Accessibility01:30:16: Engaging in Candidate Questions01:47:30: 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.

On the 18th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards talk with the District 9 Commissioner Ovita Thornton. We discuss affordable housing, redistricting, city government dynamics, and broken promises during unification.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.

On the 17th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards talk with the Flagpole’s Blake Aued. We discuss all things local and state politics. It’s a bit self-indulgent, but we now have a 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.

On the 16th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards are back from a summer break to discuss local political news and answer a few r/Athens subreddit questions. Party time. *the views of the host does not reflect those of their employer.

On the 15th episode of AthChat, host Drew Abney (Russell Edwards is away in July) was joined by State Representative Spencer Frye. This makes Spencer our first returning guest on the pod -- that's a pretty big deal. Drew and Spencer talk about topics like patriotism, artificial intelligence, and how Georgia democrats can move forward. A special thanks to Joe P. with Nabo Realty for using their podcast studio. Watch the podcast universe for Joe's new podcast. *the views of the host does not reflect those of their employer.

On the 14th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards were joined by former Athens mayoral candidate, Mara Zúñiga. Mara joined the pod and told us about her path to get to Athens, Georgia, her previous run for mayor, and why she was initially interested in getting into local politics. *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

On the 13th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards give a budget brief and discuss the riveting topic of…the annual budget. We discuss how we got to this budget vote, the two factions of commissioners, and some nuances of what is actually in the budget. *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

On the 12th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards *were in a studio* with school board member and former commissioner, Tim Denson. Tim joined the pod to give an important announcement about his political future here in Athens: running for Mayor of Athens.*the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

On the 11th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards talk with Athens-Clarke County Democratic Committee Chair, Shellby Branch. Shellby talks about her new role as Chair of the local committee and how she is working to build a youthful coalition. We discuss the Democratic Party and how it is rebuilding…or trying to rebuild…or thinking about trying to rebuild. We also discuss many of the questions that folks on the Athens Subreddit asked. Edit: Mr. Brinkley (dog) enters the chat sporadically throughout the episode. Apologies. *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

On the tenth! episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a wonderful conversation with ACC District 5 Commissioner Dexter Fisher. Dexter talks about his life, leadership roles, and his vision for a growing Athens. We also discuss fundraising in local politics and we end by asking Dexter an important question about his political future in Athens-Clarke County. *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

In the ninth episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards are back with a special guest, Georgia's 10th Congressional District Candidate, Lexy Doherty. Lexy talks about her plans for a 2nd campaign to represent District 10, how her campaign is thinking about the 'youth' vote, her lack of interactions with incumbent Mike Collins, and where Athenians can get the best slice of pizza. *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

In the eighth episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards are back with a special guest, Georgia State Representative (D-122) Spencer Frye. Before Rep. Frye joins the pod (starts at 33:55), Drew and Russell chat about some local politics updates and Mayor and Commission meetings procedures. *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

In the seventh episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards are back to discuss the Saye building, the incredibly important Athens' subreddit discussion about craft cocktails, and the best advice for people considering running for local office. *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

In the sixth episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards head to City Hall and have a conversation with Mayor Kelly Girtz. Topics included: Housing and development, road safety, the speed of local government, what Mayor Girtz thinks are positive attributes of being a commissioner and where he sees the Democratic party needing to go in the future. *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

In the fifth episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards discuss the ongoing ripple effects of funding cuts and federal layoffs on the local community, Drew's brief discussion with James Carville, Athens' local democratic party, local elections. *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

In the fourth episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards discuss the variables that impact the speed of local government, the tone of leaders when talking about students, and the ripple effects of research funding cuts.*the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

In the third episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards discuss gentrification and development, traffic safety, and political soft skills.  *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers. 

In the second episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards discuss the North Ave. development and zoning issues, the role of commissioners, and road safety. *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers. 

In the introductory episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards discuss Georgia's local homestead exemptions, school vouchers, the Saye Building, and other related topics impacting Athens-Clarke County. *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.