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Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009

Perry features 3 contested races to claim seats on City Council

PERRY — When residents in Perry go to the polls Nov. 3, they’ll find some of the work was done before they arrived.

Councilwoman Phyllis Bynum-Grace, the incumbent for District 1, Post 1, was re-elected after no one sought to challenge her. New to city government is Jimmy Faircloth, who ran unopposed for mayor and is expected to be sworn in Jan. 1.

The remaining three races, all for City Council, are contested.

For District 2, Post 1, incumbent Joe Kusar faces Joe Posey, who is making a second run at City Council about 30 years after his first unsuccessful bid. Posey said he hopes to concentrate on keeping public safety workers, an area where the city sees much turnover.

“We’re not keeping our public safety employees long enough,” he said.

He also said the council should work to embrace the agricultural center and take a look at how much it costs to live in Perry.

Kusar said he’s looking at continued success in the seat he’s held since 2002 by making smart decisions as the city continues to endure struggles brought on by current economic conditions.

Charles Lewis, up for re-election for District 3, Post 1, said he hopes to do his best to help the city through the economic downturn as well.

“Using the (University of Georgia) phrase, it’s hunker down time,” said Lewis, who served more than 13 years before leaving the council and coming back last year. “We’ve got to go into survival mode and try to get through this mess.”

Lewis faces opposition from Randall Walker. A message left at Walker’s residence was not returned.

Seeking the District 2, Post 2 seat being vacated by James Moore, Peggy Davis said she plans to work to find new ways to use more dollars earned in Perry within city limits.

“We have to take our money 15 minutes to Warner Robins,” Davis said. “We’re a separate entity that needs that money to stay in the city.”

Spending the money in the city would help edge the city toward more growth, she said, which she believes could eventually lead to more younger residents returning to Perry after college. Her challenger, longtime Perry businessman William Jackson, said he’s served the city through other boards, but felt it was time to put his business knowledge to work on the council.

“We need some input from someone in the city who’s in the business community,” he said.

To contact writer Marlon A. Walker, call 256-9685.