Commissioner Candidates Wright and Ellison Debate Transparency, Fund Management

At an Athens political forum this week, District 4 Candidates faced off on UGA's connection to Athens and how better to manage government funds.

  Candidates for ACC Commission District 4 debated government transparency, economic development and the role of the University of Georgia in Athens during a political forum Monday night at East Friendship Baptist Church. David Ellison is a lawyer who operates a solo practice in downtown Athens. Allison Wright, a contract medical illustrator, serves on the school board. They are vying to replace Commissioner Alice Kinman, who announced in April that she would not be running for re-election. The two candidates spent most of their 30 minute segment Monday discussing how local government can best manage public funds and how best to increase economic development in town. During his opening statements, Ellison said he wanted to make the process…

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David Ellison's Campaign Expenditures Report

These campaign expenditures were filed electronically with State of Georgia's Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission earlier this month

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Meet David Ellison, Candidate for District 4 ACC Commission

The Athens native has rented a home in Five Points for two years.

  1. Where did you grow up? Athens, Georgia 2. Where did you finish high school? College? Graduate or professional school? College major or area of concentration? Graduated from Athens Academy in 2003. Graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2007 with a Double Major in History and Political Science Major and with an Art History Minor. Graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law 2010, cum laude. 3. Are you married? Do you have children? If so, where do they go to school? Yes. I met my wife, Lauren, at Vanderbilt University and we both attended the University of Georgia School of Law together. She works as an Assistant Solicitor in Athens-Clarke County. We do not yet have any children. 4. Have you ever held any elected office? …

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Commission Candidate David Ellison: Hold the Manager's Office Accountable

Political newcomer Ellison tells the Clarke County Republicans that Athens is facing 'a pivotal election.'

  David Ellison plans to promote economic development, streamline the process of setting up a business in Athens and hold accountable the Athens Clarke County Manager's Office. The Commission has abdicated any power they may have had over the manager's office, but Ellison will rein in that office. He told a meeting of the Clarke County Republicans on Monday night that "every day" as a member of the Clarke County Hearings Board, he hears stories of entrepreneurs being thwarted in their efforts to bring businesses and jobs to Athens. He Ellison, a 2010 graduate of the UGA Law School, wants to be out recruiting businesses to Athens. In his lifetime, he has  watched Athens be transformed from a sleepy college town into the economic hub of …

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Athens Election Guide

The candidates, incumbents and issues that will be affecting Athens Clarke County.

  As we look ahead to the July 31 primary elections, Athens Patch is committed to bringing you useful information about local races. And about issues that will affect you and your pocketbook. Athenians have two local commission races and one state house race, all of which will be decided on July 31. Commissioners Alice Kinman of District 4 and Ed Robinson of District 8 both decided not to run for re-election. Vying for their positions are Allison Wright, a long-time school board member, and David Ellison, an attorney who works in Jackson County, in District 4. In District 6, business man Ron Winders is facing Jerry NeSmith, a planning commissioner and co-founder of the Athens Farmers' Market. The two state house candidates are both …

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