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OU Student Says He Will Run For Mayor


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A recent Ohio University transfer student says he will be vying for the Athens mayor position next year as a Republican.

Andrew Looker, 20, announced that he is circulating candidacy petitions for the top city administrative position.

“I got interested by taking a look around town at things that I think could be better. I want to make Athens a better place,” he told The Messenger. Looker specifically cited road and sidewalk improvements as a top priority, as well as making sure the city acts in a sustainable, fiscally responsible manner.

According to Looker, he recently transferred to Ohio University and has lived in Athens for approximately six months. He noted that he has lived in Southeast Ohio for a few years. He’s originally from the Canton area.

Looker, a communications studies major, said he has attended a few Athens City Council meetings to get a feel for city government. He has said his experience working at Walmart for the past year and a half would also help him in the mayor’s office, if elected.

“I feel like I can run for mayor because my job teaches me how to do things right and be efficient,” he said. Looker also noted that classes he has taken have stressed the importance of helping out individuals and advocating for them.

Looker said he encourages voters to look past his Republican affiliation and realize that he can bring a fresh perspective to Athens.

“I feel like I could really make a difference,” he said.

Looker’s roommate, 21-year-old Aaron Dauterman, also a Republican, announced earlier this week that he plans to run for an Athens City Council at-large seat.

As The Messenger previously reported, Councilman Steve Patterson has announced his candidacy for mayor. Patterson, a Democrat, is serving his second term on Council. Mayor Paul Wiehl has said that he won’t seek a third term.