Candidates for the general election continue to campaign as Nov. 4 rapidly approaches, but five candidates can relax a little more than the rest.
Athens City Council candidates Carol Patterson, Paul Wiehl, Bill Bias, city council president, Mayor Ric Abel and Law Director Garry Hunter all are running unopposed this year.
Patterson, the 2nd-Ward democratic incumbent who is running for her third term, said connection with the performing arts has allowed her to bring a unique viewpoint to city council. As a retired drama director and member of the Athens Municipal Arts Commission, she said she wants to develop policies for art in the community and for a performing arts facility.
Patterson said her primary concern is the implementation of a permanent wellhead protection plan. Athens water is obtained from underground aquifers, which run along the Hocking River as far north as the end of Columbus Road and as far south as O'Bleness Memorial Hospital, 55 Hospital Drive. Chemicals from nearby businesses could seep into the soil and create contamination, she said.
The city has hired a consultant to address the plan, which has been in the works for more than a year, and wants to have the permanent plan in place soon, Patterson said.
If we waited we would have had no protection all of this time
she said.
Wiehl, the 1st-Ward democratic candidate running for his first term on council, said time spent on the Athens Zoning Board of Appeals and attending council meetings have prepared him for a position on council.
He said he expects to encounter some difficulties making the transition from citizen to council member, but his knowledge of the system will help him make a smoother transition.
I am not new to the process and I'm a known entity to my fellow council members he said. Over time you can see patterns on how things have to be done.
Tightening the budget and avoiding layoffs in city departments are his immediate goals. The amount of money available limits what council members can and cannot do for the city, he said.
As an advocate for slow growth, Wiehl said he wants to keep the small-town charm of Athens, including green hillsides and pedestrian friendly areas. Although he acknowledges the need for growth and development, he said he wants to see collaboration between city council and the administration to implement the city's comprehensive plan.
Ensuring the comprehensive plan is effective is also a goal for Abel, who will be entering his third term as mayor.
Abel said he has a lot of goals for his next term, including concentrating on the University Estates expansion, making commercial improvements to allow more available housing for residents and marketing the city's recreational facilities, which include the bike path and outdoor basketball courts.
These facilities, along with the purchase of nature trails create tourist attractions within the city, he said.
Abel said he also wants to focus on the city's budget, balancing funds between city departments such as fire and police, Abel said.
Bias, who is running unopposed for city council president, was out of town with a family emergency and could not be reached for comment. Garry Hunter, who is running unopposed for Athens law director, also could not be reached for comment.
- Erica Bush contributed to this story
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