Political Notebook: Macon-Bibb mayoral forum set for Tuesday
The first debate in the Macon-Bibb County mayoral race is scheduled for Tuesday.
The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and The League of Women Voters of Macon are hosting the forum at the Douglass Theatre, 355 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The event will feature incumbent Mayor Robert Reichert and his opponent Lonzy Edwards, who served on the Bibb County Commission from 2007-2013.
The two will face each other in the May 24 election.
The free event begins with networking at 5:30 p.m. followed by the forum from 6-7 p.m. People are asked to submit questions for the panel to Renita Patterson at rpatterson@maconchamber.com or Adah Roberts at adahrob2@gmail.com.
FOLLIES RETURNS FOR ANOTHER ROUND
The latest opportunity for Macon-Bibb County elected officials to perform on a grand stage is next weekend.
On April 16, the Douglass Theatre will be the site of the third annual Taste of Macon-Bibb Follies. At previous events, some county leaders have showcased their talent through singing, or in many cases lip-syncing popular hits from days gone by.
Commissioner Bert Bivins reminded other officials this week about getting the word out about the event that supports the Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students, which promotes civic involvement of youths.
The event isn't just open to politicians. Macon-Bibb County staff, other public agencies and leaders of nonprofit organizations also can get involved.
Last year, the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department command staff took the stage, and Bivins made an appearance as Ike Turner.
FORMER POLICE CHIEF COULD GET RECOGNIZED
The daughter of a former Macon police chief is seeking to have him honored through a memorial.
Leigh Ann Avera sent a email recently to Macon-Bibb County Commissioner Ed DeFore asking how her father, James Avera, who served as police chief from 1992 to 1997, could be recognized. Avera, also a former Bibb County chief deputy, died Dec. 29, 2015, at the age of 84.
"My Dad loved Macon Bibb County and gave all he had to the citizens for 60+ years of service. He believed in everyone and never had a hard word toward any human being," she said in the email. "I would like to know how, along with (DeFore's) help, how to have a memorial placed at the courthouse, a bridge, street or some type of memory named in honor of my Dad?"
Commissioners are expected to discuss a possible memorial during a committee meeting Tuesday.
Telegraph writer Stanley Dunlap compiled this report.
This story was originally published April 8, 2016 at 4:39 PM with the headline "Political Notebook: Macon-Bibb mayoral forum set for Tuesday ."