Editor’s note: This is the third of a three-part series about campaigning for office in Athens.
Despite a schedule full of “mayor stuff,” incumbent Mayor Paul Wiehl is utilizing Athens’ small-town nature this campaign season to get to know voters on a
personal level.
Wiehl, a Democrat, is running for re-election against Republican Randy Morris.
Though he has a campaign website and has bought newspaper ads, Wiehl said the most successful method of campaigning was going door-to-door.
“Door-to-door is the most effective. You get a chance to talk to voters,” Wiehl said, adding that the method gave individual voters a chance to ask him questions.
Wiehl said his grassroots effort is a “time-intensive” way to campaign but that it is effective for a small town like Athens.
“I can do it whenever I get the time,” he said. “I do have to spend time doing mayor stuff,”
Wiehl also stressed the importance of personal communication in terms of fundraising. He said most of his funding comes from out-of-pocket expenses and his supporters.
His campaign was given $6,972.37 in monetary contributions and has $8,645.61 in available funds, according to a campaign finance report.
The campaign has spent $5,391.96, leaving $3,253.65 yet to be spent. Wiehl brought $1,673.24 from his post-primary campaign fund. His committee, “Wiehl for Mayor,” also has a $1,000 outstanding loan, according to the report.
Wiehl’s campaign has spent $750.10 more than his challenger Morris and had $1,196.44 more in available funds.
Wiehl stressed the importance of getting to know voters, both during his campaign and throughout his time in office.
“I think it is important to communicate,” he said. “You have to know people on the way. Communication has to be there.”
ml147009@ohiou.edu
