Lester Miller is taking Macon’s mayoral reins at an unusual time. After many years with Mayor Robert Reichert, Macon lawyer and long-time Board of Education member and president Miller is moving into the mayor’s office. The transition to a new administration is always tricky but coming out of Covid-19, the new mayor will be presented with a slew of issues related to a rocky economy.
As Miller began preparing for his transition into the role, he specifically sought out more input from Macon-Bibb citizens to understand their goals and priorities. Through surveys, public meetings and focus groups, Miller and his transition team produced “A Blueprint for a Renewed Macon-Bibb.”
“This process has proven that the people of Macon-Bibb County are able to embrace our diversity, overcome differences and join together to plan for our shared future,” Miller said. “As the first new mayor in 13 years, I am grateful for the full support of Mayor Reichert and the current administration during this transition process and for every idea, question, and concern that the people of Macon-Bibb County have shared. By working together, we will undoubtedly build a brighter future for our community.”
Some 2,000 people answered the survey, and more than 5,000 visited the website related to the project. The top priorities come as no great surprise to those who follow city politics, Macon or anywhere else. More than 50% identified public safety as the most pressing issue facing Macon-Bibb. Another 38% identified economic development, with only 17% responding with Covid-19 response and recovery – presumably some looking forward to the post-Covid time.
With public safety – also known as crime – being such a big issue, almost 70% of survey respondents would like to see Macon-Bibb hire 150 additional police officers and more than 30% want to see an implementation of a collaborative community policing model.
Few of the responses to the survey were as overwhelming as the desire to hire new police officers. Some 63% did want to see Macon-Bibb focus on attracting technology businesses to boost the economy, compared to 58% favoring manufacturing and 40% liking distribution (you didn’t have to choose just one).
Creating a more inclusive community was one of the goals that comes through in the survey responses. More than 57% would like to see Macon “ensure equal and equitable representation on decision-making boards.”
“Let me be clear, this is the beginning of our work, not the end,” Miller said. “Even as we face some of the most difficult challenges ever to confront our community, I am more optimistic than ever about our future. This process has proven that the people of Macon-Bibb County are able to put aside differences, overcome adversity and join together to plan for our shared future. I have always believed that Macon is the best place, with the best people on earth, and I know that as we work together, our best days are in front of us, not behind us.”
