Meet Democratic Candidate Spencer Frye, Running for the Georgia House in Athens, Ga.

After graduating from Woodward Academy, Spencer Frye came to Athens in 1986 to attend the Terry College of Business. For the past several years, he has been involved with the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity, serving as construction manager before becoming executive director. He lives with his family in Cobbham.

Q: You have never held elected office. Why are you running for this particular office?

A: I am running for this office to help create more opportunities for our citizens and to expand on the work I have been doing over the past decade in Athens. As an elected official, I can do more for Athens in the way of economic development, affordable housing, education and environmental initiatives.

Q: Why should someone vote for you? What qualifies you to serve?

A: I am qualified for this position for several reasons. I live in Athens, I work in Athens, my wife works in Athens and my children attend public school in Athens. In my time in Athens, I have been a student, a teacher, an exporter of medical supplies, the owner of an environmental company, an entrepreneur and lately, the leader of an organization in Athens that provides opportunities for success for our hard working citizens. Throughout my lifetime, the business experience, international experience, teaching experience and the social service experience has all provided me with distinct insight on how these fields are inexorably linked together. It will be through realizing that the quality of our education is directly linked to our future success in business that true change can occur. I can bring this wide variety of experiences to the legislature and I hope to make our state stronger through thoughtful legislation. I am motivated by the fact that we need a true Democrat to represent Athens.

Q: How long have you lived in Athens?

A: I came to Athens in 1986 as a UGA freshman enrolled in the Terry College of Business.

Q: What are the most pressing issues facing your district?

A: Living in Athens for the past 26 years has given me insight to the needs and desires of this community. It is a diverse community but through my day to day work, I am provided the opportunity to meet all different types of people in all different walks of life. Most want the same things. They want clean air, clean water, job opportunities and a better life for their children. I will work hard to make sure these issues are addressed to the fullest and I will work hard to ensure a viable educational and economic future for both Athens and our state.

Q: What will you do to address these issues?

A: The most important thing right now is our economy. The 118th District contains most of the industrially zoned land in Athens but we have some local laws that do not address the needs of companies that want to build or expand.  I will work with the mayor and commission to create an environment where companies will want to come to Athens. With the addition of Caterpillar and most recently Ethicon, a $200 million facility in the 118th, Athens has great opportunity to pivot into a proactive recruitment of other manufacturers who would like to build or expand operations. I will actively engage in the recruitment of these companies to the district and ultimately raise the level of prosperity in the region.