First challenger announces run for Decatur commission

Although qualifying isn’t until August, realtor Kelly Walsh announced she’s running for Decatur’s District 1 commission seat, held by Fred Boykin since 2001. Boykin is stepping down at the end of this year.

Walsh, who works for Keller Williams Realty, is the first newcomer to declare her candidacy for Decatur’s fall elections. Three incumbents have announced they’re running: Mayor Patti Garrett, school board Chair Annie Caiola and school board member Lewis Jones.

No matter who wins, November’s election ensures a nearly complete overhaul of the city’s commission in the past half decade.

When newcomers Brian Smith and Tony Powers took office in January 2016, Mayor Patti Garrett remarked, “this is the first time in forever we’ve had two new commissioners the same year.”

Not counting Boykin, Garrett is now the senior-most commissioner at 7½ years. In 2013 Bill Floyd resigned after 22 years on the commission. In 2015 both Jim Baskett and Kecia Cunningham stepped down after 20 and 16 years respectively.

In a recent interview Walsh said she believes the commission now faces “two major windows of opportunity”: figuring out what to do with the United Methodist Children’s Home property while also beginning to create the 2020 strategic plan.