An Athens resident discusses his decision to run for the unexpired term of late Commissioner Jerry NeSmith in the November 3rd Special Election. Chad Lowery says he’s getting involved because of recent events around the nation and here in Athens.
“I joined a rally downtown a couple of months ago that was actually a rally to support our police officers. At that particular time, there was a movement, a motion to defund the police department in Athens-Clarke County, and I've lived here for about 30 years, and I just thought that was kind of a knee-jerk reaction to what’s going on in other parts of the country, it really wasn’t applicable to Athens-Clarke County.”
While a political newcomer, Lowery says he brings life experience to the job.
“I don’t have any experience in politics. What I could bring to the table here in Athens-Clarke County is a lot of experience and a lot of maturity and wisdom.”
He believes that he has more supporters in the community than many may think.
“I just feel that a lot of Athens citizens are underrepresented by the commissioners that are in there currently. I feel like they are, I guess what you’d say, the silent majority.”
Lowery says he can make a difference in two months on the commission. He is facing Commissioner-Elect Jesse Houle in the race. Houle was elected in July and a legal challenge has been appealed to the state Supreme Court regarding the results.
