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Local architect enters Avondale mayor’s race

Avondale Estates

Local architect enters Avondale mayor’s race

A man and his dog enjoy Lake Avondale. Photo from the city of Avondale Estates website
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Paul Brown. Source: LinkedIN

Paul Brown. Source: LinkedIN

This story has been updated. 

A local architect has entered the race to become the Avondale Estates’ next mayor.

Paul Brown was the first candidate to qualify for the special election to replace former mayor Ed Rieker. Qualifying began on Jan. 12 and will conclude Friday, Jan. 16.

Brown is the owner of Brown Architects LLC and has served on the city’s Board of Appeals since September of 2013. He said the election comes at a crucial moment for Avondale Estates.

“We’re a very small city and with the development of the multi-use project and the issue of annexation, it’s going to change the perception of our city,” Brown said. “It will certainly set a standard.”

Brown said if he is elected he will work to enhance the city’s quality of life.

“My first priority is learning what the city’s priorities are as far as what the residents are concerned about, and adding to the quality of life,” he said.

He started his architecture firm in 1987 and obtained his degree from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona. One of his more notable projects is the Pencil Factory Lofts, which was a finalist for an Atlanta Downtown Design Excellence Award and an Atlanta Regional Commission & Livable Communities Coalition 2010 Development of Excellence Award. Brown has also served on the board of directors for the Atlanta Institute of Music.

According to a press release, Brown is married to Jennifer Fogleman and has two grown stepsons, ages 21 and 24.

Rieker, the dynamic and sometimes controversial former mayor, resigned in October with about one year left on his term to take a university teaching job. The former mayor is credited with bringing development into city’s downtown, but his style of leadership also brought him into conflict with some longtime residents wary of change.

Mayor Terry Giager, the previous mayor pro tem who took over the duties of the mayor after Rieker’s resignation, has said he isn’t interested in running again. Rieker’s unexpired term ends on Dec. 31, 2015.

The special election will take place on March 17.

Correction: An earlier article contained incorrect information about when Brown started his architecture firm. The article has been updated with the correct information. 

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