Slow-growth candidates find success in Athens, elsewhere in Georgia

ATHENS - Heidi Davison, who was elected mayor of Athens-Clarke County this week, was among several candidates in fast-growing areas of Georgia that had success with a slow-growth platform. <br> <br> Davison campaigned for alternative transportation and ``smart growth&#39;&#39; in Athens, and she won the runoff election 6,292 to 4,683 over incumbent Doc Eldridge -- an outcome that disappointed developers. <br> <br> Slow-growth campaigns also worked in the metro Atlanta counties of Henry, Forsyth and Cobb. <br> <br> In Henry County, Gerry Adams won his runoff for county commission on a promise to better manage the county&#39;s runaway growth. <br> <br> Opposition to the Northern Arc, a major proposed road north of Atlanta, brought defeat for two commissioners in Forsyth, the third fastest-growing county in the nation. <br> <br> Charles Laughinghouse beat commission Chairman John Keiffer, and Jack Conway ousted Michael Bennett.