Interview with Melissa Link, November 2, 2015

Partial Transcript: Please introduce yourself

Segment Synopsis: Link discusses her move to Athens and early involvement in the arts and music scene. Later, she talks extensively about the culture and interrelationships of Athens.

Keywords: Athens arts culture; Athens music scene; Athens political writing; Flagpole Magazine; Human Rights Festival; Lyndon House Arts Center; SXSW; South by Southwest; The Elephant 6 Recording Company; UGA Art History; University of GA; University of Georgia; Widespread Panic

Partial Transcript: Now that I'm on the County Commission, which you know

Segment Synopsis: Link discusses the change in Athens culture from arts and music to drinking. She shares how this motivated her decision to run for public office. Later, Link talks about becoming a co-chair on the AthFest Board of Directors.

Keywords: AthFest Educates; Athens bar scene; Athens politics; Athens-Clarke County Unified Government; Flagpole Magazine; Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication; UGA; University of GA; University of Georgia; binge drinking

Partial Transcript: So now you're an elected official-- District 3, correct?

Segment Synopsis: Melissa Link discusses her role and power as an elected official. She also talks about the relationship of Athens government to AthFest in general.

Keywords: AthFest Educates; Athens-Clarke County Unified Government; County Attorney; Department of Revenue; Jill Helme; beer gardens; mayoral power

Partial Transcript: You mentioned there about this summer

Segment Synopsis: Link talks about problems AthFest faced with alcohol ordinances due to discrepancies between state and local laws.

Keywords: Alcohol Ordinance; AthFest Educates; Athens economy; Athens local government; Athens-Clarke County United Government; Department of Revenue; Twilight road race; brew pubs; craft breweries

Partial Transcript: So obviously alcohol laws are one of the biggest issues here

Segment Synopsis: Link discusses the image that Athens bar scene has on the city and how it limits looser alcohol ordinances. She also talks about the demographics of the UGA student body.

Keywords: AthFest; AthFest Educates; Athens drinking culture; HOPE Scholarship; University of GA; University of Georgia; beer gardens; underage drinking

Partial Transcript: And you know when we, several years ago

Segment Synopsis: Link discusses problems that have arisen from the development of downtown Athens, focusing on the aesthetics and affordable housing.

Keywords: AthFest; AthFest Educates; Athens-Clarke County Unified Government; Classic City; IZ; James Kunstler; North Campus parking deck; commercialization; housing density; inclusionary housing; inclusionary zoning; mayoral power; zoning policies

Partial Transcript: I mean you would think that, you know, having these corporate businesses

Segment Synopsis: Link talks about the problems faced by Athens bars. Later, she discusses the effects of corporate businesses.

Keywords: Alcohol Ordinance; AthFest Educates; Athens bar scene; Athens economy; Athens-Clarke County Unified Government; alcohol regulation; dive bar; downtown Athens; downzoning; mayoral power; underage drinking

Partial Transcript: Well, coming off of that: you're obviously very, very in support of AthFest and preventing

Segment Synopsis: Link discusses her motivations to push for changes in downtown development. She also talks about the damage to the natural environment. Later, she shares her view on the responsibility of public leaders.

Keywords: Carr's Hill; Wal-Mart; development; local government; mayoral power; natural resource; political correctness; retaining wall; student housing

Partial Transcript: I mean we do have a downtown master plan, but we haven't

Segment Synopsis: Link discusses proposed projects for Athens and the difficulties faced in implementing them. Later, she talks about the effects of the physical environment on AthFest.

Keywords: AthFest Educates; Athens bar scene; Bottleworks on Prince; Broad Street; UGA; University of GA; University of Georgia; development; development policy; downtown crosswalks; downzoning; mayoral party; zoning

Partial Transcript: What do you think could be done, not just by politicians but, I mean, by the community as a whole

Segment Synopsis: Link talks about the changes in the culture and event of AthFest and theorizes about the future. Later, Link discusses the nonprofit side of AthFest and the importance of funding music and arts in public schooling.

Keywords: AthFest Educates; Athens arts education; Athens bar scene; Athens music education; Athens music venues; arts education; club crawl; commercialization; downtown Athens; educational policy; music education; nonprofit fundraising; nonprofit sponsorship

Partial Transcript: Well, if you could do anything you wanted to change

Segment Synopsis: Link discusses her dream of rezoning downtown into a town square. She talks about how this public green space could serve as a festival ground for AthFest or other events.

Keywords: Athens City Hall; Athens downtown master plan; Broad Street; College Avenue; Twilight road race; downtown development; food trucks; zoning policy