Macon-Bibb Winners Say They’re Ready to Get to Work

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Winners in the runoff elections for the new Macon-Bibb consolidated government are already hard at work.

They’re laying down the foundation and planning how they’re going to tackle big issues heading into January 1st.

A new government with new faces and new ideas….

Macon-Bibb’s elections have come to a close, and the newest commissioners want to begin addressing concerns in the city and county.

“We’ve got to grow. My mission is to grow this community in a responsible way, so that it becomes a safe and vibrant place to live,” District 4 Commissioner-Elect Mallory Jones said.

Jones says crime has to decrease. Taxes have to stay where they are, and Bibb County’s school system has to improve.

He says one of his goals is to get more business back to the entire county.

“We’ve got to do an even better job of rolling out the red carpet saying we want you here. We’re open for business we want you here,” Jones said.

It’s something Jones and District 2 Commissioner-Elect Larry Schlesinger agree on. Schlesinger thinks the new government allows for a fresh start.

“We have to come together as a team. We have to set a vision along with the mayor. In setting that vision, we have to establish specific goals I would like to see us establish specific goals that we’re going to achieve in the first 90 days,” Schlesinger said.

Macon-Bibb County Mayor-Elect Robert Reichert says all of the changes will take time and is hoping for a seamless transition heading into a new government.

“I think it’ll take us months…years probably to get the departments reorganized and consolidated into their new positions, new places, new locations,” Reichert said. “Yes it’s going to be a challenge, but yes it’s going to be an exciting time, and I’m thrilled and elated to have the opportunity to help build and construct this new government.”

District 2 Commission Candidate Henry Ficklin is requesting a recount, since he and Schlesinger were just 27 votes apart.

According to the board of elections supervisor, they’re waiting until the results are certified, to determine if a recount is allowed.

Both Ficklin and Schlesinger have been told how the process works.