Elahu Gosney, D, said he first ran for an at-large position on the Athens City Council in 2007 to “see that the City of Athens would be as progressive as its people are.”
After five years in which the city has “largely been successful” in achieving this goal, Gosney announced that he will not be seeking re-election this fall in order to dedicate more time to his career and personal life.
“I'm finishing grad school this year, and I have recently met the love of my life,” Gosney said. “It's possible I won't live in Athens next year, so I feel that this is a good time for someone else to have this opportunity (to serve on City Council).”
Gosney, who will receive a Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology from Ohio University this year, said the 2004 Democratic Presidential Primary inspired him to run for political office.
“I was inspired by the presidential campaign of Howard Dean many years ago to take a stand for what I believe in, and I saw a chance to do that at the local level,” he said.
Gosney said his time in office has been a “transformative time for the city,” citing Mayor Paul Wiehl and Law Director Pat Lang as major instruments of progressive change.
Although he won’t be seeking re-election, Gosney encouraged young people to take part in the political process.
“I hope that more young progressives become active in local politics now and in the future,” he said
The presence of more progressive voters in Athens will make it difficult for a Republican to challenge for Gosney’s seat on City Council, said Pete Couladis, chairman of the Athens County Republican Party.
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