Spring Break
Age ain't nothin' but a number for mayor candidate
DANIEL BURNETT
Issue date: 2/16/09 Section: News
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For nearly a year, Shinholser has built a grassroots movement to propel his fledgling campaign into a viable candidacy.
He is actively campaigning and has assembled a team of supporters to spread his message throughout Athens. He has even filed with the Athens-Clarke County Board of Elections.
And, he is 22 years old.
For Shinholser, however, age is not a major issue in his campaign.
"I come with as much experience as anyone else at bringing people together," Shinholser said.
"I do not think that age should play much of a factor as long as I can discuss the issues, show leadership in debates and continue to connect well with the community."
In fact, many of his political idols were criticized for their age. Critics said John F. Kennedy was too young. They said Ronald Reagan was too old.
But Shinholser thinks he is just right for Heidi Davison's mayoral seat, officially vacant on Jan. 4, 2011.
"I decided to run for mayor because I want to better serve my country by committing to a cause greater than myself," said Shinholser, formerly from Dublin, Ga.
As mayor, Shinholser said he would like to bring new people, including University students, to the table. He is currently a student himself, working toward a bachelor's degree in legal studies through Kaplan University's online program.
"I believe the students are really left out in Athens," Shinholser said. "No one is providing a voice for them, and young Americans have just as much of a right to have a voice."
Shinholser's age is not the only aspect of his candidacy that voters may find unique. Although his political affiliation won't be on the ballot, Shinholser is running as a Centrist.
The Centrist Party was founded in 2006 by John Reisman. As the party founder and chairman, Reisman said he could not be more proud of Shinholser.
"Brandon approached me a while ago with a tremendous amount of enthusiasm, and we thought 'what a great shot,'" Reisman said during a phone interview with The Red & Black last week.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 25
Athenian
posted 2/16/09 @ 5:43 PM EST
So an online legal studies student who works as an auditor at a local hotel believes that he is ready to commit to a cause greater than himself.
Guess what, bro: there are thousands of students at UGA, Old Dominion, Piedmont, and Athens Tech who HAVE voices and have already committed to causes greater than themselves and they don't need a 22 year old hotel auditing online student affiliated with a political party that no one's ever heard of to give it to them. (Continued…)
Skeptical
posted 2/16/09 @ 8:52 PM EST
Kaplan University? Like the people that helped me through my LSAT? What!?
CoastalDAwg
posted 2/16/09 @ 10:49 PM EST
I don't know this young man but the two people who have bothered to post apparently don't either but have already issued judgment on him. Down @ Tybee Island a twenty something year old ran and won the mayor's office a couple of years ago and he's done a great job with it. (Continued…)
appalled
posted 2/16/09 @ 11:19 PM EST
Dear "athenian" and "skeptical,"
You must be from somewhere that has the total brain capacity of zero. Have you ever heard of tolerance, acceptance, maybe even respect? Didn't think so. (Continued…)
Athenian
posted 2/17/09 @ 12:45 AM EST
Coastal Dawg, just because a 22 year does something doesn't mean that every 22 year old can do the same thing. I'm sure the mayor of Tybee had more to say for himself than Brandon's patronizing and condescension. (Continued…)
Michael C. J.
posted 2/17/09 @ 3:40 AM EST
I have personally met Brandon and some of his campaign committee. After speaking with Brandon concerning his candidacy, I believe that he is a very strategic thinker and presents himself well. (Continued…)
Sharon
posted 2/17/09 @ 9:14 AM EST
Hell, he's only 22 and he's more qualified than Herr Heidi. Heidi HO...you got to GO!
Old Bard
posted 2/17/09 @ 5:45 PM EST
I figured that if I was going to shoot this guy down, I should at least inform myself as to what exactly he stands for. So, I took the time to head over to Brandon's campaign website in order to get a better look at his platform. (Continued…)
Jeff
posted 2/18/09 @ 2:52 AM EST
Old Bard –
I'm actually curious to know why you are so hateful, pessimistic, and disrespectful towards people that you do not know. You are literally logging on to R&B and posting comments just to "try" to insult another individual. (Continued…)
MountainDawg
posted 2/18/09 @ 8:16 AM EST
This kid is a tool... someone should ask that sweaty fatass Greg Wilson to run for mayor.
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