Centerville City Councilman J. Michael Evans announces run for mayor

Evans became the second city council member to enter the race, joining Justin Wright who announced his candidacy in January. Evans is in his second term on the council, after a 27-year career in the United States Air Force Reserve. 

CENTERVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – J. Michael Evans, Post 3 City Councilman for Centerville, announced his run for mayor on Monday.

Evans became the second city council member to enter the race, joining Justin Wright, who announced his candidacy in January. Evans is in his second term on the council after a 27-year career in the United States Air Force Reserve.

“Service is important, and it’s been important all my life,” Evans said. “And making sure that we live in a safe, vibrant community.”

Evans says enhancing public safety, responsible spending and expanding recreation spaces in Centerville are all top priorities of his campaign. He also plans to use his military background to strengthen the city’s relationship with Robins Air Force Base.

“A lot of our younger military folks live out in the community now, and they need a place that’s affordable to live and they need things to do with their young children,” Evans said. 

Former mayor John Harley surprised many when he stepped down in December after announcing he wouldn’t seek a second term days earlier. On Monday, Harley endorsed Evans, speaking highly of the their 14-year relationship.

“Every time something comes up in the city and I need somebody to take heed of it, he does it,” Harley said. “And he does a great job with it.” 

Harley worked alongside Evans’ opponent, Wright, as well. Though the mayorship is listed as a part-time position, Harley says it requires full-time dedication. He says Evans being retired and Wright being an active pastor factored into his decision to endorse.

“Most of them just don’t have time to do it the way it needs to be done,” Harley said. “You need to be there. You need to go to all the meetings involving the city, and you need to be a part of the decisions being made in the county, because they’re all part of it.”

With exactly four months until election day, Evans plans to hit the ground running.

“I’m going to be out there knocking on doors,” Evans said. “And I’m going to be out there talking to people about what their concerns are, so when I get in city hall as mayor, we can go ahead and meet those needs.”

The Centerville mayoral election will be held on Tuesday, June 17. Early voting begins Tuesday, May 27.