Barry Irwin, former candidate for ACC Commission, District 9
Barry Irwin ran in 2026 to represent North Athens from Newton Bridge Road to Spring Valley Road on the ACC Commission.
Election Results
Ovita Thornton — 48.7%
Tracy Smith — 42.0%
Barry Irwin — 9.3%
Signature Issues
Holding government workers accountable — Irwin wanted to remove the legal protections that government workers when they are doing their jobs and acting in an official capacity. This would cause a large drain on the public coffers as the number of lawsuits against the government would greatly increase, but Irwin said the government could buy additional insurance to pay for it. Irwin wanted to do this because he feels government workers are often vindictive and break the law with impunity. The only evidence he had to back up this assertion were some personal stories. For example, he felt that the ACC government doesn’t honor open records requests because ACC’s open records officer sent him the files he requested over email instead of on paper.
Fighting climate change — As commissioner, Irwin said he would encourage the local government to do what it could to lower climate emissions, both internally and across Athens-Clarke County.
Experience
Irwin is a retired lawyer. He had no relevant political experience.
Political Affiliation
APN cannot find any information about Irwin’s voting history or political affiliation.