The AthChat podcast, hosted by Russell Edwards and Drew Abney, held the first mayoral debate of the election cycle on Saturday at Cine in downtown Athens. Mayoral candidates LaKeisha Gantt, Mara Zuniga and Tim Denson were present. Dexter Fisher had to skip this debate for health reasons.
0:00 – Intro
3:26 – Opening statements
7:36 – Housing affordability
18:29 – Growth and gentrification
27:21 – Homelessness
37:49 – Town and gown relations
42:52 – Student housing
46:31 – FLOST, taxes and public services
53:08 – Relationship with state government
1:02:27 – Is public comment delaying progress?
1:10:48 – Eminent domain
1:17:25 – Road safety
1:23:11 – Who are you supporting for governor?
1:26:15 – Public transit
1:30:42 – Education
1:36:48 – Did Zuniga vote for Trump?
1:39:02 – Payment in lieu of taxes
1:42:23 – Coalition building on the commission
1:47:08 – Closing statements
If you’d just like to see the highlights, you can watch those here:
The election will take place on May 19, 2026.
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