Lonzy Edwards suspends campaign for Macon-Bibb mayor

Lonzy Edwards, a Macon attorney and pastor who was seeking to unseat Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert in the May 24 elections, announced Tuesday he is suspending his campaign for health reasons.

Barring a last-minute surprise, the campaign suspension effectively clears the way for Reichert’s fourth term as mayor. Edwards’ decision comes two weeks before early voting begins and just five weeks from Election Day. Edwards took part in a mayoral forum April 12, but several days later a doctor told Edwards he was too sick to undergo a “necessary” medical procedure, he said.

“I have carefully taken adequate time to consider every aspect of being a candidate for Mayor and all it entails,” Edwards said in the statement. “After long reflection, prayer, and discussions with my family and close friends, I have concluded it will be nearly impossible for me to focus on my health and still run an effective, active election campaign that the voters in Macon-Bibb County deserve.”

Edwards, who is pastor of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, did not disclose any information about his illness.

Reichert said Tuesday evening that he hopes Edwards recovers quickly. He said he will continue to speak about important issues, such as jobs and the impact of 2014’s Macon and Bibb County consolidation.

“This campaign has always been about more than getting me elected,” the mayor said. “Yes, that’s a component, but also it’s been about informing and educating people about the success of consolidation.”

Edwards’ campaign cry was that he would be a mayor for all of Macon-Bibb, not just certain areas. He has been outspoken in calling for all sections of the county to receive attention and has criticized Reichert for focusing too much on downtown and some areas around Mercer University.

“For more than 30 years I have served the people of this great community,” Edwards said in the statement, noting that he has worked “tirelessly” as a pastor, attorney and elected official. Edwards was a Bibb County commissioner from 2007-2013.

“If our community is going to grow, prosper and stay together, now is the time for government leadership to measure and balance the needs of every neighborhood, every person,” he said.

Commissioner Larry Schlesinger said Edwards, who has been a presence in the community for decades, is best known for exemplifying his morals as a pastor while serving in a public forum.

“I’m going to add my prayers to all of the others being offered for a swift and full recovery,” Schlesinger said. “This is something that is a shock to all of us and sort of puts in perspective what’s really important in our lives.”

Commissioner Bert Bivins said Tuesday evening that he is sorry to learn about Edwards’ illness. Bivins served on the county commission alongside Edwards.

“I would have liked to see him able to (continue running),” Bivins said.

This story was originally published April 19, 2016 at 5:42 PM with the headline "Lonzy Edwards suspends campaign for Macon-Bibb mayor."