Longtime incumbent challenged for seat on Macon Water Authority board

A longtime incumbent on the Macon Water Authority board faces opposition from a political newcomer this year.

Javors Lucas, 93, is challenged by 47-year-old Harold Franklin for the District 2 seat.

Lucas, a military veteran who retired as supervisor of recreation at Robins Air Force Base, has represented the district since he was first elected in August 1982.

"I like serving the people and trying to keep the authority going," Lucas said. "I try to keep the rates down. Everybody uses water."

Almost a decade ago, the authority renamed its Town Creek Reservoir, dedicating it as Javors J. Lucas Lake in honor of the board member's 25 years of service to the authority.

"It's always a good thing to know what you're doing," Lucas said of his years of service.

Franklin, a commercial truck driver for Florida Rock & Tank Lines Inc., said he thinks he's the best candidate for the changing times.

"I've always liked politics, (and) I've been around politics quite a bit," Franklin said. "Because of the changing times, I thought that District 2 needed someone to run who would be available to the people, be a voice to the people."

Franklin studied for two years at Fort Valley State University. He ran unsuccessfully for a Macon City Council post in a special election in 2006 and then again in 2007.

Franklin said it's important that people "have more than one or two ways they can be informed, whether it's through social media or quarterly meetings," he said.

"They need someone who's going to represent them and who's going to keep them informed of the things that are changing," he said.

The District 2 representative will be decided in a nonpartisan race May 24.

To contact writer Laura Corley, call 744-4334 and follow her on Twitter @Lauraecor.

MACON WATER AUTHORITY BOARD, DISTRICT 2

Name: Javors Lucas

Age: 93

Occupation: Retired supervisor of recreation at Robins Air Force Base

Political experience: Incumbent MWA board member since August 1982

Name: Harold Franklin

Age: 47

Occupation: Truck driver for Florida Rock & Tank Lines Inc.

Political experience: Previously ran for Macon City Council in 2006 and 2007

This story was originally published April 17, 2016 at 8:25 PM with the headline "Longtime incumbent challenged for seat on Macon Water Authority board ."