Kelly Girtz, Regional Director for Student Services at Foothills Education Charter High School, officially launched his campaign for Athens-Clarke County mayor on Sept. 9. Girtz has served as Athens-Clarke County District 9 commissioner for three terms. “In 2006, after years of interest in national and local politics, I ran for, and was elected to, the District 9 County Commission seat. I am now in my third term in office where supporting public health and safety, making Athens a more aesthetically and economically attractive place and providing an opportunity for even greater support of families have been my priorities,” Girtz said on his campaign website. Photo courtesy of Girtz’s campaign website.
The Athens-Clarke County mayoral election will take place in May of 2018 and several people have already announced their candidacy including former principal of Classic City High School and Athens-Clarke County Commissioner Kelly Girtz.
Former principal of Classic City High School and Athens-Clarke County Commissioner Kelly Girtz announced his intent to run for mayor in May of this year and had the official campaign kickoff event on Sept. 9.
“Athens is at a crossroads in which we have an opportunity to pursue a greatly enhanced foundation for living, working and playing in this great city,” Girtz stated on his campaign website. “Now is not the time to allow inertia to take course, but the time to roll up our sleeves and actively expand upon our strengths, both socially and economically.”
Classic City High School graduation coach Mimi Middendorf, who has known Girtz for 15 years, will be supporting him for mayor at the polls in May 2018.
“(Girtz) is the ultimate public servant, who knows how to connect with people and issues and get the job done,” Middendorf said. “Leading, caring, listening and engaging are all assets that will serve him well as mayor.”
Girtz will be running against fellow ACC commissioner Harry Sims, senior partner at H&W marketing firm Richie Knight, 20-year-old tea party leader Antwon Stephens and local attorney Samuel Thomas. The candidates are running to fill a position occupied by Mayor Nancy Denson who is term-limited.
“I don’t like that Nancy Denson wouldn’t make a civil rights council (and) I think Athens needs a more proactive mayor who can work towards changes such as supporting local businesses and equality in Athens,” CCHS freshman Maggie Thompson said.
Clarke Central High School parent and Girtz’s campaign web developer Stephanie Sharp believes Girtz’s experience in education would benefit him in mayoral office.
“(Girtz) doesn’t have to imagine what it’s like for a kid to go home at night hungry, or have no home to go to. He experienced these situations first hand in his work in the Clarke County School System. He personally visited homes to find out why kids aren’t coming to school, or why they are failing at school, or why they are acting out inappropriately at school,” Sharp said. “His interaction with the conditions that some of our most vulnerable populations experience is first hand.”
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