Primary Ballots: Exclusively takes Democratic primary ballots. Donations: Donated to Charlie Bailey (D) in 2020, Mokah Jasmine Johnson (D) in 2020, Deborah Gonzalez (D) in 2020 and 2017, Jonathan Wallace (D) in 2017 and John Edwards (D) in 2007.
Girtz has made progress on all three points of this affordable housing plan during his first term, with one exception. The property tax freeze for low-income seniors is being blocked by the state legislature, or rather is being offered only on conditions Girtz finds unaccaptable.
Nevertheless, Girtz and the commission seem poised to produce a formal inclusionary zoning policy this year (and an ad-hoc policy has been in use over the past year or two). Girtz has championed the North Athens Downtown Project, which will build hundreds of additional affordable units in the downtown area. He’s started Athens’ first use of tax allocation districts and he’s streamlined regulations like our mass grading ordinance to encourage new development.
Collaboration: In contrast to his predecessor, Mayor Nancy Denson, Girtz has committed to working in collaboration with both the commission and concerned residents alike. Items have no longer been blocked from the agenda against the wishes of a majority of commissioners.
Endorsements
The ACC Democratic party has endorsed Girtz for re-election.
Fund Cedar Creek Solar Array: YES Move Work Sessions to City Hall: YES Redesign the Chase Street Corridor: YES Update County Anti-Discrimination Policy: YES Reject Concept Maps for Athens in Motion: NO Adopt the Athens in Motion plan: YES Protected Bike Lanes for Barnett Shoals: YES Delay the Designation of SPLOST Projects: NO (More information about 2018 votes)
Temporary Halt to Downtown Development: YES Consultant Selection for Bike / Ped Master Plan: YES TSPLOST project list and referendum: YES Re-zoning Mitchell Street: NO (More information about 2017 votes)
“Road Diet” for Chase Street: YES Allow Sale of Growlers in Brewpubs: absent Fare-Free Bus Rides for K-12 Students: YES Downtown Anti-Discrimination Ordinance and Civil Rights Committee: abstain (More information about 2016 votes)
Kelly Girtz – 60.2%