MAYOR
Randy Morris, Republican
Republican Randy Morris is running against Wiehl for the mayoral seat.
Serving for nearly thirty years in the Air Force, Morris has a “life-long dedication” to social responsibility. If elected, Morris plans to focus on job creation in the city, establish a building inspector to enhance safety and improve town-gown relations between residents and OU students.
Morris also plans to open up Bobcat Lane, which would open up traffic from Richland Avenue directly to Baker University Center, to enhance safety and improve the city’s relationship with OU.
Since returning to Athens from his work in the military in 2005, Morris has worked as the Director of Member Services for the National Business Incubation Association, treasurer for the Athens County Republican Party and chair of the Athens City Commission on Disabilities.
For more information visit morrisforathens.com.
Paul Wiehl, Democrat
The Democratic incumbent, Paul Wiehl, is running for a second consecutive term as mayor of Athens.
Wiehl’s campaign consists of his accomplishments as mayor and their correlation to promises made during his 2008 run.
According to his campaign website, the city’s budget is “strong and resilient,” infrastructure has improved and the relationship between Athens residents and Ohio University students has been strengthened.
Before serving as mayor, Wiehl served as chair of the Athens Zoning Board of Appeals before spending two terms on City Council as a 1st Ward representative.
“I hope to serve a second term so that we can build on the solid foundations that have been laid,” Wiehl said.
For more information visit paulforathens.org.
3RD WARD COUNCIL
R.J. Sumney, Democrat
One candidate running for Athens City Council’s 3rd Ward seat is independent R.J. Sumney.
Although both candidates contending for the seat have relatively similar platforms, Sumney’s 7-tier plan for the ward includes bettering relationships between residents and OU students, improving ward safety and communications through a neighborhood watch program, and keeping the code enforcement accountable.
Sumney currently serves as on the Athens City Planning Commission and as an Executive Board member of the 317 Board. He is also the business manger of The Post.
For more information visit electsumney.com.
Michele M. Papai, Democrat
Running against Sumney is Democrat Michele Papai.
Raised in Anderson, Indiana, Papai has lived in Athens since 1993. During her time in Athens, Papai became a founding member of the Athens Near Northside Neighborhood Association as well as a member of Clear Litter Everywhere in Athens Now.
Papai advocates sustainability, betterment of infrastructure, the improvement of close-in neighborhoods and participation with uptown businesses in economic revitalization efforts.
For more information visit papai4athens.us.
