Democratic Mayoral Debate

The two Democratic candidates for mayor of Athens met in a debate at the Athens Public Library on Tuesday evening. Incumbent mayor Ric Abel and challenger Paul Wiehl (D-1st Ward) tackled issues such as code enforcement, city growth and development, and police and fire protection.

Athens MidDay reporter Jessica Morgan has the story.



Abel said he hopes to diversify business in Athens by using existing space and working with developers and Ohio University. Wiehl said he also wants the city to grow, but in a "good sense." He said he would make sure developers followed the city's comprehensive plan and that he would hire a city planner upon being elected, a position the city is trying to fill currently.

Here is an extended look at how the candidates disagree on the issue of police and fire protection.




The winner of the May primaries may go on to face independent candidate Sergey Kahn, depending on whether he collects the 54 signatures required to be put on the ballot for the November general elections. No Republicans have announced their intentions to run.

The deadline to register to vote has passed for the primary elections, but voters will have up to 30 days before the November elections to register.