One of two contested races in this year’s Athens city elections will conclude with a new 3rd Ward council representative taking over for Nancy Bain. Though the candidates admire the work Bain has done, both are anxious to implement new plans of their own.
“I think I have benefitted from being on this City Council,” Bain said about her 26-year career. “I want other people to have the chance to step up and benefit the same way I have.”
With independent candidate R.J. Sumney and Democrat Michele Papai vying for her seat, Bain admitted it is difficult for anyone to force change individually through Council.
“It’s so hard to get things done as just a single person on the council,” she said. “It needs to remain a cohesive group.”
Given more time, however, Bain said she would have put more effort into finance. Though Papai and Sumney praise the work Bain has accomplished, but they are hoping for the opportunity to implement plans of their own.
Both of those plans seed citywide safety as a main concern.
Keeping the city safe begins at a neighborhood level, Sumney said, adding that he would like to work with Athens police to start neighborhood-watch programs.
“We live in a transitory community,” Sumney said. “You don’t necessarily know who your neighbor is.”
Papai expressed desire to serve on the safety committee but added that infrastructure in the 3rd Ward is another problem.
“Traffic is also a concern,” Papai said. “This ward has some major street ways, and we should consider improving intersections and lighting.”
In terms of infrastructure, Sumney said he wants to ensure that the nice, clean parts of Athens stay as such and that the areas that need aid are given it.
“I live in a great street in a perfect neighborhood,” Sumney said. “I have an investment in making sure it stays that way.”
Both the candidates have a very positive view overall of the job Bain has done, citing her improvements to the city and the demeanor with which she worked.
“She has done so many things for this city,” Papai said. “The improvements she has made to the water system here have been very important.”
Along with stability and accessibility, Sumney said he admires the way Bain went about her duties on the council.
“Nancy has done a terrific job,” he said. “There are a lot of positives I would like to emulate. I would bring an energy and understanding that things need to improve.”
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