© 2024 WUGA | University of Georgia
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Athens News Matters to Air Second Special Edition

 As part of the continuing coverage of the 2020 election, WUGA is airing the second of two special editions of Athens News Matters programs this week. 

 

Listeners will hear from candidates running for the District Attorney’s office and the Clarke County Sheriff. We spoke with the two nominees vying to succeed Sheriff Ira Edwards.  

The candidates about reallocating resources from law enforcement toward other services. 

Here’s Republican Robert Hare. 

“I don't believe in it truthfully, the police department has got enough going on as it is, they handle about  175,000 calls a year, and the crime rates are starting to go up in Athens so we don't need to be doing that. We need to just keep things going as is, get them staffed up, get us staffed up the best thing that we do, and we’re going to be partnering with each other and helping out expanding the services of the Sheriff’s office so we can get in there and help the police department out when needed.”

John Q. Williams is the Democrat in the race. 

“With the level of crime, I think we should focus on training and education for our officers, and trying to find additional funding so we can also add those other pieces to the program, and law enforcement can be a part of that, absolutely, but reducing, I don't think we’re at a point where we can do that right now. I hope we get there, and I will be the first to say ‘Hey, it’s time to cut this now, we need less officers,’ I will be glad when we get to that point, to admit it, because it makes my family safer.”

All candidates in their respective races are answering the same questions submitted by WUGA listeners.

 

Alexia Ridley joined WUGA as Television and Radio News Anchor and Reporter in 2013. When WUGA TV concluded operations, she became the primary Reporter for WUGA Radio. Alexia came to Athens from Macon where she served as the News Director and show host for WGXA TV. She's a career journalist and Savannah native hailing from the University of Michigan. However, Alexia considers herself an honorary UGA DAWG!
Related Content