Mara is originally from Nicaragua. She and her family immigrated to Brooklyn, New York. She attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, studying electrical engineering. She now lives with her husband, Marcos, and her two children, in Athens.

Mara currently works as the Chief Financial Officer for her husband’s asbestos removal business. She has worked as a loan officer, regional manager, motivational speaker, and ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher.

Mara Zuniga’s campaign for Athens Mayor is her first entry into politics.

Wants to see cleaner streets in all areas of the city.

- Wants to see cleaner streets in all areas of the city.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Said, "the unsheltered population is increasing because of the local government’s unsustainable actions and policies".

- Said, "the unsheltered population is increasing because of the local government’s unsustainable actions and policies".

Housing & Urban Development

Wants a “life class” that would teach residents about financial security. This would be provided through community programming or as a high school class requirement.

- Wants a “life class” that would teach residents about financial security. This would be provided through community programming or as a high school class requirement.

Public Services

Wants to rebuild trust between the Athens community and the police.  Said, “I support our men and women who serve daily to protect the people of Athens.”

- Wants to rebuild trust between the Athens community and the police.  Said, “I support our men and women who serve daily to protect the people of Athens.”

Public Safety

Wants to provide “clear documentation in government spending”. This includes “simple, understandable public education” on the budget.

Opposes the “burden on Athen’s taxpayers” to support social welfare responsibilities.

- Wants to provide “clear documentation in government spending”. This includes “simple, understandable public education” on the budget. 
- Opposes the “burden on Athen’s taxpayers” to support social welfare responsibilities.

City Budget

Mara Zuniga

- The mayor leads the executive branch of local government, presiding over city council meetings, making sure city departments run smoothly, and providing services to citizens. 
- The mayor runs the city day to day and prepares the budget each year, meaning that they propose how much funding goes to each city department, including the police department, city parks, transportation, and the fire department. 
- The mayor also hires the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and city department heads, such as City Planning, Parks & Recreation, and Transportation. 
- Most Georgia mayors are elected in odd years to four year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. 