Paul Faces Jewish Challengers in Mayoral Race
Andy Bauman and Jody Reichel are taking on incumbent Rusty Paul, while Andrew Chinsky seeks City Council seat.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Marking its 20th year as an incorporated city, Sandy Springs is readying for a hotly contested municipal election for mayor and every seat on the City Council.
Rusty Paul, who had previously been wishy-washy about seeking a fourth term, announced seven months ago that he indeed would run for re-election to complete some of the programs that he had undertaken. In the Atlanta Jewish Times (March 12, 2025) “Sandy Springs Mayor Revels in Jewish Support,” Paul was touted by a cadre of top-level Jewish influencers as their first choice for mayor for many reasons, including his unwavering support for Jewish causes.
Some may find it curious that because of Paul’s record, two of the candidates challenging him — Andy Bauman and Jody Reichel — happen to be Jewish. Politics is strategy based; and some have been known to cast a losing bid to establish name recognition to get a jump on 2029. Then again, in politics, like sports, anything can happen in the last stretch.
To complete the Jewish triangle, Andrew Chinsky is running for Bauman’s vacating City Council seat. Note that the salary for mayor is $42,000 per year; and Council members each receive $26,000. These elections are nonpartisan. Each of the candidates’ bios follow as do their answers to a predetermined set of questions.
Andy Bauman
Bio: Bauman and wife, Dr. Debbie Bauman (an anesthesiologist), have been members of Temple Sinai for the past 25-plus years. He considers himself a proud Zionist and one of only about 15 Jewish elected officials currently serving in Georgia. Bauman recently helped launch a bipartisan network to connect and support fellow Jewish public servants statewide. He has been active in the American Jewish Committee and previously served on the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust. Before being elected to City Council, he co-founded the popular Sandy Springs Farmers Market in 2010. The market reopend for its 16th season on April 12.
What is your motivation for running now vs. four years from now since Mayor Paul stated he will not seek reelection?
I believe in the power of service, community, and forward-looking leadership. I’ve had the privilege of representing our city for three terms on City Council, and I believe this is a pivotal moment for Sandy Springs.
What specifically would you do as mayor that Paul has not done?
Each of the last two times he ran for mayor, he said it would be his last. Now, he says he needs to “finish the job.” But the work of building and serving a community is never truly finished. What matters most is how we lead, how we listen, and whether we’re laying the groundwork for the future. As mayor, one of my highest priorities will be mentoring and empowering the next generation of leaders in Sandy Springs — something I believe Mayor Paul has unfortunately neglected. I would bring a new level of engagement and transparency — regular town halls, more direct communication with residents, and a strong focus on quality housing for all generations, smart redevelopment, and protecting our green spaces and tree canopy.
How do you intend to raise campaign funds?
We’ve already begun fundraising, and while I’m reluctant to state specific goals just yet, I’m extremely gratified by the early interest and support from Sandy Springs residents from all backgrounds and walks of life.
What will be your fallback position if you do not win?
I’ll leave my Council seat with pride and zero regrets. Public service is a calling, and I’ll always find ways to contribute to the community I love.
Jody Reichel
Bio: Reichel is a two-term City Council member and a 30-year Sandy Springs resident. She and her husband, Ken, are members of Temple Sinai, where Ken is the treasurer. An entrepreneur, civic leader, and marathoner, Reichel is a proud mother and stepmother. Her children graduated from The Davis Academy and North Springs High School.
What is your motivation for running now vs. four years from now when Mayor Paul stated he will not seek reelection?
Mayor Paul told voters in 2017 and 2021 that he did not intend to seek another term — yet he is running again. While I respect anyone’s right to change their mind, Sandy Springs needs new leadership and direction now. Like many residents, I’m deeply concerned by our lack of meaningful progress and the missed opportunities over the past several years.
What specifically would you do as mayor that he has not done?
Mayor Paul promised City Springs Phase II and North End redevelopment, but didn’t deliver. I led the effort for a new North Springs High and will bring that same focus to completing City Springs, strengthening our schools, adding more owner-occupied housing, and creating more fields for youth sports. I will stay focused on the job of mayor and get results.
How do you intend to raise campaign funds?
My goal is to engage voters and drive turnout. Successive mayoral elections have featured uninspiring candidates and low voter turnouts. I’ll use the money I raise to let Sandy Springs voters know they have an exciting and capable alternative.
What will be your fallback position if you do not win?
I have every intention of winning this race. I wouldn’t be running if I didn’t believe I was the right person to lead Sandy Springs forward.
Andrew Chinsky
Bio: My family lives in the Riverside neighborhood. I’m an in-house corporate attorney after spending 10 years in private practice, most recently at King & Spalding. We moved to Sandy Springs when my wife, Dunwoody native Allie (Maron), got her dream job for the Atlanta Hawks.
Allie and I were married almost 10 years ago by Rabbi Heller of B’nai Torah. Our kids attend The Davis Academy and Temple Sinai Preschool. We belong to both B’nai Torah and Temple Sinai, where I’m in the Atidaynu program. Growing up, I was one of just two Jewish students in my high school class of 600 — our Jewish community is one of the things I like best about Sandy Springs.
What is your motivation for running for City Council?
I love Sandy Springs and am running to provide balanced and pragmatic leadership and to be a champion for our future. I hold a bachelor’s degree in public policy from Michigan and a law degree from Harvard, and I believe that local government can positively impact our lives. If elected, I would work full-time in addition to my council duties. Eva Galambos and our founders intended for City Council members to be engaged citizens and community leaders rather than only government officials.
What specifically would you want to address on the City Council that has not been done?
If elected, next year I may be the only Jewish member of City Council and the only member with kids at home. My family now has four generations living in Sandy Springs/Dunwoody ranging in age from almost 2 to 92. From this perspective, I would protect what makes Sandy Springs great and, without compromising public safety or our finances, push for investment in our future, including creating a more walkable area around City Springs.
How do you intend to raise campaign funds?
I am raising the money needed to spread my message and reach voters where they are — in their homes, at community events, at the playground, or even at their synagogues.
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