Athens Politics Nerd is an independent media organization keeping you up to date on local news and politics in the Athens, Georgia area. APN takes a progressive view of the news, focusing on both the mayor and commission and protest movements alike. We strive to hold the powerful to account.
Lillie Brooks and Adam Shirley are running for ACC School Board in District 7
Former second grade teacher Lillie Brooks and former member of the Board of Elections and current science teacher Adam Shirley are both running for School Board in District 7 in Athens, Georgia. Current Board of Education member LaKeisha Gantt is running for mayor, so there’s no incumbent.
0:00 - Intro0:33 - Meet Lillie Brooks3:56 - Meet Adam Shirley9:38 - Adam's assessment of the school system17:38 - Lillie's assessment of the school system23:14 - Lillie: How can we improve our schools?26:29 - Lillie on student retention27:52 - Adam: How can we improve our schools?29:29 - Adam on student retention32:40 - Adam's parting thoughts33:33 - Lillie's parting thoughts37:03 - Outro
28 Apr 2026
Tracy Smith and Barry Irwin are challenging Ovita Thornton for ACC Commission in District 9
Insurance agent Tracy Smith and lawyer Barry Irwin are both challenging incumbent ACC Commissioner Ovita Thornton in District 9 in Athens, Georgia. APN interviewed all three candidates and edited them together for this week’s podcast.
0:00 - Intro0:28 - Meet Barry Irwin2:14 - Meet Tracy Smith5:23 - Meet Ovita Thornton10:36 - Tracy's experience12:42 - Barry's experience & top priorities15:08 - Tracy's top priorities18:46 - Ovita's top priorities19:47 - Ovita's voting record on resolutions25:40 - Tracy's thoughts on Ovita as commissioner26:44 - Ovita responds to Tracy's criticism29:24 - The water crisis in Pinewoods33:37 - Why voters should choose Ovita35:36 - Why voters should choose Tracy36:15 - Why voters should choose Barry37:53 - Outro
21 Apr 2026
Who will be the next Mayor of Athens?
Pastor Sharon Miller, Commissioner Dexter Fisher, community advocate Mara Zúñiga and ACC Board of Education members Tim Denson and LaKeisha Gantt are all running to be the next mayor of Athens-Clarke County in 2026.
0:30 - Meet Tim Denson
1:40 - Meet Mara Zúñiga
3:00 - Meet Sharon Miller
4:18 - Meet LaKeisha Gantt
5:35 - Meet Dexter Fisher
6:49 - What is your most important issue?
13:13 - How will you make housing more affordable?
24:17 - Why should voters choose you?
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