More About Athens' New Mayor

Paul Wiehl posted this message on his web site following his victory:
"Thank you, Athens citizens, for your vote of confidence for me and the future of our city. I look forward to working for and with you to craft the prosperous, livable city we can all enjoy and thrive in."

Articles from local media following the city elections:

• With 60 percent, Wiehl takes the win: The Post
• Under new management: The Athens Messenger
• Wiehl defuses Baum threat: The Athens News

As for the other mayoral candidates,

Ed Baum posted this message on his web site:

"Thank you, to those who voted for me, supported me, and encouraged me in the campaign for mayor, I say thank you very much. In the final analysis, I did not have enough votes to win; but the city was the winner because the campaign clarified some issues and brought out others. Again, thank you...and maybe I'll see you in town."

Sergey Kahn has not updated his web site since the election results.

And The Winner Is...Paul Wiehl

EDUCATION: (AthensCountyVotes.org)

• B.S., Chemistry, Marietta College, 1979

OCCUPATION: (AthensCountyVotes.org)

• Lab research technician OU-COM-Biomedical Sciences

BACKGROUND ON PAUL: (AthensCountyVotes.org)

• Athens City Council Member, First Ward (2004-Present)
• Chair, Athens City Council Environment Committee (2006-Present)
• Member, Athens City Council Transportation Committee (2004-Present)
• Chair, Athens City Council Transportation Committee (2004-2005)
• Chair, Athens City Council City Services Committee (2004-2005)
• Secretary, Athens Westside Community Association (2004-Present)
• Chair, Athens Zoning Board of Appeals (1997-2002)
• Member, Athens Zoning Board of Appeals (1996-2002)
• Co-Chair, Athens Westside Community Association (1999-2004)
• Member, Athens 2020 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee (2001-2005)

ISSUES:

• Budget & Economy: Believes economic development requires a quality environment(AthensCountyVotes.org); Believes in Smart Growth through careful planning; Will require that developers follow city regulations to protect the city's interest and preserve Athens locally owned businesses, small town atmosphere, and scenic beauty; Will fill the city planner position to update Athens' antiquated zoning code (Wiehl's Website)

• Crime/Drugs: No information.

• Education: Expects appropriate communication when university actions will affect the city (AthensCountyVotes.org)

• Environment: Believes using Cool Cities, Athens' Comprehensive Plan, and smart growth principles will provide incentives to reuse existing buildings by altering, as necessary, bulk controls, density, and parking requirements and by instituting a point system to reward smart development (AthensCountyVotes.org); Will ensure enforcement of the wellhead protection ordinance to protect Athens drinking water; Will clarify and enforce hilltop protection and trash and litter ordinances; Will institute sidewalk and bike lane development programs (Wiehl's Website)

• Jobs: Thinks the beautiful views and green spaces in Athens are its competitive advantage when it comes to attracting high-quality and well-paying jobs (Wiehl's Website)

• Principles & Values: Will maintain open communication, investigate and solve problems, and hold his administration accountable to citizens (Wiehl's Website)

• Welfare & Poverty: No information.