Elaine Lucas sworn in as Macon Water Authority board member

Lucas's service to Macon-Bibb County includes 25 years as a Macon City Council member and a recently completed 12-year tenure as a county commissioner.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — After reaching the term limit on the Macon-Bibb County Commission, Elaine Lucas is continuing her decades of service to the area. On Thursday, Lucas was sworn in as the District 1 Rep. for the Macon Water Authority board.

Lucas’s service to Macon-Bibb County includes 25 years as a Macon City Council member and a recently completed 12-year tenure as a county commissioner.

“I felt like I could still serve,” Lucas said.

Lucas decided to join the race for the open District 1 seat in September and faced no opposition. She thanked dozens of people during her swearing in ceremony, who she says have showed her what it means to lead.

“There’s so many people who have been supportive, who have given me guidance, who have provided information to me, who have kind of mentored me in this whole public service arena,” Lucas said. “And I am so grateful to those folks.” 

Lucas’s resume also includes a 38-year career as a teacher and counselor. The Macon Water Authority recently announced increased consumer rates starting in January. Lucas says she plans to use her background in education to better inform Macon residents on what they should and shouldn’t do regarding water usage, and the overall water distribution process.

“I want to just raise the awareness that people have,” Lucas said. “And then they’ll understand when there’s a need for additional funding.” 

Lucas says she’s ready to learn the ins-and-outs of the job and get to work. Her new co-workers say they expect to learn just as much, if not more, from her.

“I think she’s done so much that she’ll bring in experience that’s necessary,” said Rachad Hollis, the Communications Specialist at the Macon Water Authority. “And experience that will help the community here in Bibb County.”

After the ceremony, Lucas reflected on her work as a county commissioner. She said she was most proud of helping senior citizens stay active at the Elaine Lucas Senior Center, and helping high school dropouts get a second chance at earning their diploma at the E.L. High School Academy.

She says these experiences will help her continue to serve her community.

“I can take those skills with me and help to enhance the experience that our citizens have as far as the delivery of water,” Lucas said.