ATHENS, Ga. - The mayor of Athens-Clarke County, who's seeking re-election this year, says possession and use of small amounts of marijuana should be legal.

The Athens Banner-Herald reports Mayor Nancy Denson announced her pro-pot position for the first time Wednesday night at a debate on the University of Georgia campus.

Denson told dozens of students and Athens residents: "I'd like to see small amounts of marijuana decriminalized." The mayor also said that being caught with a small amount of pot for personal use shouldn't "create a criminal record that follows someone for the rest of their life."

The mayor's opponent, local activist Tim Denson, has been running on a platform that includes legalizing possession of less than an ounce of marijuana. They will face off in the nonpartisan election May 20.