The Athens mayoral debate, held at the Appleton Auditorium in the Athens-Clarke County Library, showcased a full house as community members gathered to hear from the five candidates vying for the mayoral seat. Tim Denson, Dexter Fisher, Lakeisha Gantt, Sharon Miller, and Mara Zúñiga engaged in a spirited discussion moderated by WUGA News Director Alexia Ridley.
As the 2026 election approaches, the candidates have been busy participating in various debates, with Monday’s event focusing on pivotal topics like affordable housing, homelessness, and public safety.
Housing Concerns
Affordable housing was a prominent topic during the debate. Moderator Ridley brought up a statement by U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock, who labeled Georgia’s housing situation as a “crisis.” Sharon Miller echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the moral imperative of finding housing solutions for the unhoused.
“Finding housing for our unhoused is a moral commitment,” Miller stated.
Lakeisha Gantt and Mara Zúñiga advocated for more flexible zoning laws, while Tim Denson and Dexter Fisher stressed the need for diverse housing options. Fisher highlighted the excessive focus on student housing and the necessity for more affordable homes for young professionals.
The discussion also touched on future development. Gantt expressed concerns about overdevelopment, while Denson pointed to areas like Normaltown and Five Points as ripe for development with “missing middle” housing solutions.
Public Safety and Surveillance
Public safety was another key issue. Mara Zúñiga underscored the community’s unease following recent violent crimes. She advocated for increased police presence alongside preventative measures.
However, Tim Denson raised privacy concerns regarding surveillance tools like Flock Safety cameras, which are used to monitor license plates. Dexter Fisher defended the use of such tools, emphasizing the importance of community policing.
Lakeisha Gantt cautioned against equating safety with surveillance, warning of the risks involved.
The debate also addressed issues such as homelessness, data centers, and taxes. For those interested, WUGA will broadcast the debate in two parts: Saturday at 10 a.m. and Monday at 8 p.m. Full access to the debate will be provided at WUGA.org and the Athens News Matters podcast.
The Athens-Clarke County mayoral election is scheduled for May 19, 2026, with advance voting from April 27 to May 15. For more details, visit the Elections Department.
