Russell Edwards

District 7 Commissioner
russell.edwards@accgov.com
706-850-0878
Russell’s Website
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We believe that, for the most part, Russell Edwards has good positions on the issues we care about, but he often prioritizes the ones we feel are less important. There is no question that he is an improvement over his predecessor in this seat, but we would like to see him be bolder on justice issues in particular. He cares deeply about downtown, even though it is not in his district. He has voted relatively consistently with our preferred positions on the issues, with the exception of the Saulters settlement.

Russell has refused to take a concrete position so far on the Linnentown Resolution, which is concerning, but he has been willing to engage in dialogue on the issue, putting himself in situations that are clearly uncomfortable for him. We would like to see him support the resolution as is (as should all commissioners), but at least he is engaged on the topic.

Voting Record

Questionnaire Responses

Transportation

• Do you support fare-free bus service?: YES

“A fare-free bus would boost the quality of living for innumerable Athenians.”

• Do you support expansion of transit service (e.g. increased frequency, more locations, longer service hours)? YES

“Yes, within reason.”

• Do you support increasing the budget for bike and pedestrian infrastructure from the general fund? YES

“Texting and driving has made car lanes dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists. We need more infrastructure separate from car lanes.”

Criminal Justice Reform

• Do you support marijuana decriminalization? YES

“Jailing offenders for simple possession drains our county’s resources and wrecks lives.”

Environmental Sustainability

• • Do you support a statewide ban or fee on single-use plastic bags? YES

“Single-use plastic bags are the top driver of sewer and stormwater system maintenance expense.”

Racial Justice

• Do you support an Athens Civil Rights Committee established through the county government? YES

• Do you believe that Athens-Clarke County should move forward with comprehensive non-discrimination legislation? YES

“We must, so that Athenians are protected from discrimination & have a way to pursue justice in a state that lacks civil rights legislation.” Q: White people still hold a hugely disproportionate amount of economic and social power in Athens-Clarke County. If elected, what will you do to help fight this structural imbalance, increase the economic security of, and ensure the equal treatment of Athenians of color; especially black Athenians who continue to be most targeted by past and present systems of oppression? A: (click to read)

Affordable Housing

• • Do you support repealing the single-family ordinance? NO

“Without this ordinance, 5 Points might become one large Fraternity row.” Q: Rising rents and the proliferation of luxury student apartment complexes has been a major issue in town for the past several years. What will you do to promote affordable housing in Athens for its current residents? A: (click to read)

Challenging Unjust State Laws

Childcare and Early Childhood Education

Poverty

Open-Ended