While Democratic contenders for Athens city law director disagreed on local rental property problems, both said in a forum last night that Republican incumbent Garry Hunter does not devote enough time to the office.
Assistant County Prosecutor Patrick Lang and former Morgan County judge William Safranek held their only public debate for the democratic nomination for city law director at the Athens Public Library, 30 Home St., last night. Both are vying for the Democratic nomination in the May primary.
The city law director is responsible for appointing employees to the Department of Law, prosecuting cases in municipal court and serving as a legal consultant to the city.
Lang said if elected he would consider toughening laws that hold landlords accountable for violating city ordinances. Safranek said he would push for greater enforcement of ordinances that limit the number of tenants allowed in a single building, using civil procedures to crack down on violators.
Both Lang and Safranek stressed the importance of being in constant communication with city personnel, such as City Council members, the safety-service director and code enforcement personnel.
Safranek said Hunter, who has been city law director since 1977 and currently makes a $54,624 annual salary, could have prevented some of Athens' legal problems ' including a recent $1 million settlement with University Estates ' by maintaining close communication with City Council.
Although City Council stipulates that the law director work only 30 hours per week, Safranek said that Hunter's current business interests in Athens as a landlord and private-practice attorney distract him from his job as law director. Hunter also serves as Nelsonville city law director.If elected, Safranek said he would phase out his private practice and devote his time to the office of law director.
Lang said he would step down as assistant county prosecutor if elected.
I don't think it's too much for the people of Athens to ask for a law director who is there all the time
he said.
Candidates for mayor will be speaking at the next forum 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 24, at the Athens Public Library. 17
Archives
Elyse Ball
200704184225midsize.jpg
