Candidates Disagree on Law Enforcement, Economy in First Mayoral Forum

The three candidates for Athens-Clarke County mayor broadly agreed on a number of issues during the race’s first forum last week, but staked out differing positions on law enforcement and economic development. The forum, sponsored by the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement, was held Mar. 12, just three days after the official qualifying period ended, and focused mainly on poverty. At least three other forums have already been scheduled, and candidates said there could be as many as eight before the May 22 election. Many in the crowd booed former commissioner Harry Sims when he defended Sheriff Ira Edwards for detaining undocumented immigrant…