Bibb Legislative Delegation Listens to Local Leaders Input Before Legislative Session Starts

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb Legislative Delegation has a lot of work to do. State representatives and senators heard from local leaders on Tuesday to find out what they wanted tackled during the upcoming session.

Think of it as a Christmas wish list, and the Bibb Legislative Delegation is Santa Claus. Local leaders from several organizations met to share their thoughts on what should be considered for the 2013 legislative agenda.

“We’ll look and see where we can help, how we can help,” Representative Nikki Randall said.

Hot topics included the debate over local non-partisan elections for the new consolidated government. Representative Allen Peake has been pushing for the change.

“Non-partisan elections, I believe, is what our community wants,” he said.

While other state leaders say candidates need to declare a party.

“I think its important that the general public knows which party these candidates affiliate with,” Randall said.

But Macon Mayor Robert Reichert offered a compromise. He suggested holding an open election for everyone and keep the D’s and R’s.

“You can keep the partisan label but all the races would be in a consolidated primary or consolidated election,” Reichert said.

Another big push by local leaders was a bill that would grant tax incentives for developing downtown areas.

“It deserves support because it will develop downtown [areas] all over the state of Georgia,” Mike Ford, president and CEO of Newtown Macon, said.

It’s a long wish list, but the delegation says its up for the challenge and ready to tackle the new year.

One thing the delegation wants to focus on is thinking regionally and work with neighboring counties to bring more business to Middle Georgia.