Runoff election set for Macon-Bibb District 5 commission seat

Election Day is Tuesday, April 14. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A runoff election is set for the District 5 County Commission seat in Macon-Bibb, with two candidates sharing their vision for the community.

Edward Foster says one of the biggest concerns he has heard while campaigning is a disconnect between residents and local government. He says many people feel their voices are not being heard and that their votes do not make a difference.

“Well if I’m elected, what I do hope to accomplish is creating a stronger bond with the government and the community. I feel like that’s a big problem that we are dealing with, the people simply feeling like they don’t have a connection with their local government,” Foster said.

Foster says his focus includes increasing community involvement and creating programs aimed at addressing issues like crime and youth engagement.

“Focus on some issues as far as like crime, type of programs we can put together, you know for the youth, so they have things to focus on,” Foster said.

Andrea Cook says one of her main priorities is addressing mental health and improving access to services in the community.

“I’m running on creating more opportunities for people to access mental health services. I think when you take care of the root causes, people’s issues then they feel better served and connected,” Cook said.

Cook says her priorities also include educating residents on housing and public safety. She says her background as a marriage and family therapist has prepared her to serve the community.

“I’m literally trained to listen to people, it’s been a part of what I’ve done most of my adult life. And so I’m poised to respond to people, I’m poised to advocate for them,” Cook said.

Both candidates are encouraging voters to take part in the runoff election.

Early voting is next week, April 6 through April 10. Voters can cast their ballots between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the Macon-Bibb Board of Elections office at the Macon Mall on Eisenhower Parkway. Election Day is Tuesday, April 14. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.