MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - A Macon businessman wants to become the new commissioner for District Four.

Mallory Jones tells 41NBC Macon-Bibb County needs to grow. He says in order to do that we must have real transparency and accountability in government, hold the line on taxes, and reduce crime, especially home and car invasions.

He hasn't held a public office before, but says his business experience will bring a new perspective to the consolidated government.

"Fresh ideas and common sense solutions, common sense solutions, [that's] something we seem to be void of in government," Jones said. "I'm committed to bring this community around so it grows again and it becomes safe and vibrant."

District four includes portions of north Macon and Bibb County.

Currently, his only opponent is former Macon city councilman Theron Ussery.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Bibb County Chairman Sam Hart is throwing his name in the race for mayor of the new consolidated government.

Hart says new Macon-Bibb County government will need leadership and he's the man for the job. As part of his "Think Community" campaign, he wants to focus on improving economic development, public safety, and bring more jobs to the area.

Hart says the SPLOST has played a big part in revitalizing the county, but we need to work with surrounding counties to better the region.

"We cannot continue to think as just one community," Hart said. "We've got to take into consideration that we're not an island to ourselves, that we got to move and work jointly with the continuous community."

Hart says if elected, his experience as county chairman will help during the transition.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Bibb County Commission Chairman Sam Hart has called a news conference for Wednesday, where he says he'll announce his intent to run for Mayor of the soon-to-be consolidated government for Macon-Bibb County.

It's scheduled to start at 11AM, just across from the Bibb County Courthouse in Mulberry Street Park.  The public is invited.

According to a news release sent to 41NBC, "Chairman Hart will discuss his plans to proactively move the community forward as Mayor."

Stay with 41NBC and 41NBC.com for updates, and be sure to check out our Decision 2013 webpage for local election headlines.