Longtime Athens resident Jared Bailey announced his campaign for District 5 Commissioner on Friday. Bailey represented District 5 from 2014 to 2018, when he was ousted by Commissioner Tim Denson. New redistricting maps make Bailey’s campaign possible by pushing Denson into an even-numbered district — those districts aren’t up for re-election until 2024.
Prominent business owner and founder of AthFest and Flagpole Magazine, Bailey is running on a platform of “economic prosperity, environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility,” among other pillars, according to a press release.
"Bailey believes that service to individual citizens and constituents to resolve problems is the most important part of being a county commissioner," the press release reads. "And he was known during his two terms for responding quickly to calls and requests."
Past legislation supported by Bailey includes funding for public transit and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
With the new district maps in place, the District 5 Commissioner will serve areas previously in District 3 and 6. Full maps can be found on the ACC gov data hub.
