Rumor roundup (mayoral edition)

Only a few new things to report here, and one of them involves Spencer Frye's apperance on Tim Bryant's show yesterday.

Right off the bat, Bryant asked Frye if he was running for mayor which the latter deflecting by saying that he was being encouraged by several folks to consider a run, but he wanted to focus on Habitat for Humanity at this moment. That was followed up by a wide-ranging conversation that surely touched on what will be likely campaign issues (i.e. redevelopment of blighted properties, recycling and waste management, affordable housing issues, etc. and etc.), all of which Frye showed an impressive knowledge of.

It's no secret that he and I are buddies, and it's no secret that I think he'd be a great candidate if he opts to run. Yet, whenever I ask him what he's thinking, he casually deflects it in the same way that he did on Bryant's show. It's obvious he's definitely giving it some strong consideration.

Of course, the other progressive shoe waiting to fall is that of Athens-Clarke County District Nine Commissioner Kelly Girtz. Girtz would surely emerge as a top-tier candidate, if not the possible frontrunner, if he jumped into the race. He has repeatedly said he wanted to wait until later in the year to make a decision, though recent rumblings from a variety of folks have suggested he's leaning against it.

I like both Girtz and Frye, and there's a scenario where progressives in this town could get both. District Nine has the potential to be a very competitive seat and, unlike District 10 which can draw from strong progressive leanings in three of the four districts, it could feasibly become a toss-up should Girtz vacate the seat.

Girtz outworked and outhustled Alvin Sheats in 2006 en route to a solid win in a runoff, but only edged him by a little more than 300 votes in the general election. Campaign-wise, Sheats was hardly a formidable opponent, yet he was still able to push Girtz into a runoff. A more skilled, non-progressive opponent might be able to snatch the seat in an open race.

As a result, there has been some rumblings that it might be better for Girtz to remain in District Nine and let another progressive enter the mix ... which, given recent talk in town, could very well be Frye if he's game.

While there's ample respect among the progressive community for Nancy Denson, as Pete pointed out, there's also legitimate concern and, as I've said before, the opening is there for someone like Frye or Girtz to slip in and take advantage.