News
Smedley Takes Council Seat
By: Susan Tebben
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ATHENS – A newer candidate to the Athens political scene has taken a temporary seat on Athens City Council.
Arian Smedley was chosen by members of the Athens County Democratic Central Committee on Wednesday night, to fill the last months of Jennifer Cochran’s term.
Cochran left council last month for personal reasons.
Smedley was nominated along with Sarah Grace, a former State a representative candidate who will be running against Smedley in the November election for the at-large seat.
Smedley is executive assistant to the superintendent of the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities and has worked previously with the Athens County Job and Family Services and with Integrating Professionals for Appalachian Children. She was also formerly the education reporter for the Athens Messenger.
She said she plans to use the months in the seat to listen and learn about the council and the seat.
“This is a good way for me to learn as a newer candidate,” Smedley said.
She also said she particularly wants to learn about transportation and housing within the city while she is in the position.
Smedley and Grace will be vying for the seat along with Noah Trembly and incumbents Peter Kotses and Patrick McGee.