MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - A former Bibb County Commission chairman announces he'd like another chance to lead the City of Macon and Bibb County.

Charles Bishop, chair of the board from 2004-2008, stopped by 41NBC Monday afternoon to tell us the community can rely on him to run the new consolidated government.

"If they choose to elect Charlie Bishop to mayor of this city and county, which is a consolidated government, then they'll have somebody that I guarantee that they can trust," says Bishop, who also had 35 years of service with the police department.  "I'll do what I said I was going to do and I'll always have the best interest of the people at heart."

Bishop says his main focus is bringing more jobs into Macon and Bibb County and that he'd rather grow the tax base than raise taxes.

He'll run against current Macon Mayor Robert Reichert, current Bibb County Commission Chairman Sam Hart and former Macon Mayor C. Jack Ellis, among others.

The election is set for July 16.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A former Macon mayor and the city's current one are once again facing off for election, but this time it is for the consolidated government.

January 1, 2014 marks the beginning of the new Macon-Bibb County and a new government needs a new leader. Two men with experience stepped forward: Macon Mayor Robert Reichert and former mayor C. Jack Ellis. Both say their experience as leader of the city will help them tackle the challenge of running a new government

"We're in it to win it," Ellis said.

"I need your prayers, I need your support, and I need your vote," Reichert said.

Your vote to become the first mayor of the new Macon-Bibb County. Reichert says his five years. Reichert says his five years of experience leading the city makes him the best man for the job.

"I have the experience and qualifications. I have the vision and the plan," Reichert said. "And I have a commitment and drive to make Macon-Bibb County an attractive and prospering community."

But Ellis says his eight years as the leader of Macon proves he has what it takes to run the new government.

"We have a proven track record, so we're going to do what we know how to do and that is to govern, to lead, and to put the best possible staff together," Ellis said.

Reichert wants to continue the city's current action plans like revitalizing the Second Street corridor and revamping the Middle Georgia Regional Airport.

"We have a community worth saving. We can restore it to a position of prominence," Reichert said.

While Ellis says he's already proved he can turn vision into reality by building a first class conventional hotel and cleaning up damaged houses throughout the city.

"The challenges are many, but I'm up to the task," Ellis said.

Both men say combing two governments into one won't be easy, but they are up for the challenge.

" I think we have to realize its going to take time to bring the entire two governments together," Ellis said.

"The first few years of the consolidated government will be of critical importance," Reichert said

Another local leader is also fighting for your vote. Last week, 41NBC reported Bibb County Chairman Sam Hart announced he is running for mayor of the new consolidated government.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Bibb county leaders passed a resolution Tuesday which calls for a special non-partisan election in July.

The resolution asks that the Macon-BibbCounty Board of Elections to hold the candidate qualifying period from Aprill 22 through the 26. Election day would be on July 16.

This resolution puts into motion the non-partisan bill that recently passed in the Georgia General Assembly. This bill changes local government elections from partisan races to non-partisan.

Senate Bill 25 is facing opposition from several local leaders. The Department of Justice is currently reviewing the bill. The DOJ must okay the bill before it becomes law.