Macon-Bibb swears in leaders for new government

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Judge Tillman Self swore in leaders of the new Macon-Bibb County government on Tuesday at City Hall.

Voters approved the consolidation last July to unite the city and county government.

Mayor Robert Reichert and eight out of nine district commissioners took their oaths of office in front of local officials, family, friends and citizens.

“We’ve got an opportunity for a new beginning. A historic day is today, and hopefully we turn the ship and start heading Macon-Bibb in the right direction,” State Representative Allen Peake, R-Macon said.

Mayor Robert Reichert believes “the first priority is to continue to work together as a team to collaborate to come up with an agenda not for the short term, but for the long-term.”

He adds the new government will make mistakes, but he wants support from the community to make this transition a positive one.

“I know we’re going to have some wrinkles. I know we’re going to hit some speed bumps along the way, but that should not detract from the big picture,” Reichert says, “We are creating a better stronger local government and a brighter future for all of us going forward.”

Mayor Reichert also appointed other officials for key positions during the ceremony: Sheila Thurmond serves as clerk of commission, Judd Drake serves as county attorney, Dale Walker serves as county manager, Christi Luliucci serves as finance director, Marvin Riggins serves as fire chief and Robert Faulkner serves as judge for the Municipal Court.

The first and only woman on the commission, Elaine Lucas, says everyone elected shares a common interest.

“The bottom line is that we’re all interested in doing what’s best for the people of Macon-Bibb, so that’s what we’re all committed to.”

After the new government takes effect on January 1st, Macon will be named the fourth-largest city in Georgia.