Political Notebook: Macon-Bibb mayoral candidates brush off minor hiccups
There were a couple minor hitches in this week's Macon-Bibb County mayoral forum, but candidates didn't seem too fazed by them.
When the forum began Tuesday, the microphone for former Bibb County Commissioner Lonzy Edwards was not working, and Mayor Robert Reichert quickly carried his microphone to Edwards, his opponent.
And during the middle of the forum, a vehicle's alarm began blaring outside the Douglass Theatre as Reichert was responding to a question. Moments later, the alarm resumed just as Edwards started talking.
"At least they are not discriminating, mayor," Edwards quipped.
The forum was the first for the May 24 mayoral election. Reichert is seeking a fourth term in office. Edwards served as a Bibb County commissioner from 2007-2013.
ISAKSON, PERDUE SUPPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT BILL
Republican U.S. Sens. David Perdue and Johnny Isakson have introduced legislation aimed at improving the training of federal law enforcement offices and first responders, according to a news release.
The two senators have been joined by Tom Udall, D-N.M., and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., on the legislation that would reauthorize Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers with the ability to make sure there is adequate training for terrorism, domestic threats and national security events.
The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers headquarters is in Georgia.
"The work being done at FLETC is critical to our national security," Isakson said in the release. "The training our law enforcement officers receive each year is first-rate, and each skill set is adapted to the situations they will face in the field. The skills needed to protect our ports, airports, borders and communities are indispensable, and I am proud of what FLETC achieves year in and year out."
EARTH DAY EVENT IN MACON
Tattnall Square Park will be buzzing Wednesday during an Earth Day festival, according to a news release.
The free event, hosted by Macon-Bibb County and its partners, will feature local produce and educational materials available at a vendors market. There also will be a kids zone with games, face painting and prizes. Miniature horse Poppy Boy will be attending thanks to Idyll Acres Rescue Ranch. The public also will be able to learn about "ways to go green at work, home, and school, and on the go" and sign up for Macon-Bibb new recycling program, the release said.
The event lasts from 3-6 p.m. There will be live music and opportunities to get tips on gardening, healthy eating and wellness.
"We want to teach people how to preserve our natural resources now and show children the importance of taking care of Earth," Parks & Beautification Department Assistant Director Sam Kitchens said in the release.
Telegraph writer Stanley Dunlap compiled this report.
This story was originally published April 15, 2016 at 3:12 PM with the headline "Political Notebook: Macon-Bibb mayoral candidates brush off minor hiccups ."