It was a full house at WUGA’s mayoral debate held at the Athens Regional Library Tuesday night.
Candidates Richie Knight, Harry Sims, and Kelly Girtz answered questions from WUGA listeners and well as a panel of local journalists consisting of Blake Aued from Flagpole, Lee Shearer from the Athens Banner-Herald and Ashley Soriano from The Red and Black.
Retired educator William Breeding attended the event.
"Well I think we have three good candidates," said Breeding. "And regardless of who wins I think we're going to be in pretty good hands no matter who wins tonight."
That’s a sentiment shared by Zach Wells.
"I really liked their answers, I’m looking forward to the next debate. Really good choices of candidates I think," said Wells.
Some attendees, like Adam Tawfic, wanted more information.
"There's still a lot to think about," said Tawfic. "They have a couple of issues of mine that I feel like they haven't exactly addressed."
Many commented on the civility of the debate, an opinion summed up by Jeff Snowden, who is with the Sims campaign.
"I like actually to see how much these three individuals have become friends. And to hear them talk about inclusivity. All of them. And to be in total agreement with that makes you very proud to be an Athenian," said Snowden.
The debate will be broadcast on WUGA Friday at 1:30 p.m. and Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
