Reichert starts campaign for fourth term as mayor

Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert kicked off his campaign Monday to seek a fourth term in office.

Reichert made the formal announcement before supporters outside his campaign office at the corner of Washington Avenue and Orange Street. Reichert, 67, repeated his theme of "Let's Keep Macon Progress" as he spoke about changes that have taken place during his time as mayor.

Reichert first became Macon's mayor in 2007 and was re-elected in 2011. After being elected a third time as mayor in 2013, Reichert was a key player in the 2014 merger of the city of Macon and former unincorporated Bibb County.

"This campaign is designed not to just get re-elected but to continue our efforts to unite the community," Reichert said.

The non-partisan mayoral race will be on the May 24 election ballot. Qualifying will be held March 7-11.

Reichert pointed out that consolidation has led to a reduction of the budget from $165 million in fiscal 2014 to $145 million in the current budget. Macon also has seen new jobs with the construction of the Kumho tire plant and expansion of First Quality, which last June announced plans to invest $68 million in Macon, Reichert said.

"We need to keep making progress," he said. "We can help build a prospering economy that can attract the employers of tomorrow."

Reichert said he wants to see the city continue to improve its infrastructure, including extending the runways at Middle Georgia Regional Airport and Macon Downtown Airport, and completing the Sardis Church and Sgoda roads extension.

"We have begun the process of reducing blight and revitalizing all of our neighborhoods," he said. "We've accomplished a great deal, but the physical consolidation and building of a community of tomorrow is far from over." He said there should be a "plan to achieve 20-20 vision," a reference to both perfect vision and the next mayoral term that runs through December 2020.

"I suggest we confront our weaknesses and find a way to promote early childhood education, wraparound services for our poor and underprivileged families, and positive outcome opportunities for our youth that promote pride and keeps hope alive."

On Monday, Reichert became the first candidate to formally announce a run for mayor.

To contact writer Stanley Dunlap, call 744-4623 or find him on Twitter@stan_telegraph.

This story was originally published February 8, 2016 at 2:53 PM with the headline "Reichert starts campaign for fourth term as mayor ."