Mayor Bob Smith News Today

Watkinsville attorney Peter H. Steckel said Tuesday he is withdrawing from the mayor’s race in Watkinsville because he purchased a home outside the city limits. “I had not expected to get one outside the city, but in this day and age when everything is going crazy with prices that was the best option for my family,” Steckel said. The decision will mean Brian Brodrick, current acting mayor, will fill the post as he is now running unopposed. “I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to cam...

The Western Circuit comprises Oconee and Athens-Clarke counties. Smith, in his first term as mayor, said Wednesday the idea has a financial component. Smith for months has maintained that Oconee’s plans to build a new government complex — which would include a new library — on the outskirts of the city is a waste of taxpayer money. “How can we save Oconee taxpayers money? We can save millions of dollars by not building that big building,” he said, adding that the librarys present bui...