Allen announces run for Macon-Bibb County Commission

After serving 20 years as a Bibb County commissioner, Joe Allen said he's ready for another run in government.

Allen formally announced his candidacy Friday for the Macon-Bibb County Commission District 6 seat held by longtime politician Ed DeFore.

Allen likely will face DeFore and former Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency Director Don Druitt in the May 24 election.

Allen bowed out of the commission in 2012 after making a promise to not seek re-election that year if voters approved consolidation. The proponent of the merger said Friday that now is the right time to return to office to serve Macon residents.

"I have now decided to seek election for the 2016 District 6 commission seat because I feel that I can be an asset to further positive change within this community," said Allen, founder of the Kids Yule Love Charity that supports Middle Georgia families in need.

Allen said he would push for more treatment instead of jail time for people suffering from mental health disorders and substance abuse, which he contends would save money and prevent overcrowded jails. He also would focus on improving roads and said he recommends a study to see if there is a need for more fire stations.

DeFore, who has been in local elected office for more than four decades, and Druitt said in October that they both intend to run for the District 6 commission seat. The district spans portions of west and south Bibb County.

To contact writer Stanley Dunlap, call 744-4623 or find him on Twitternote>

This story was originally published January 8, 2016 at 10:01 PM with the headline "Allen announces run for Macon-Bibb County Commission ."