This is Viewpoints for Friday, May 20, 2016

Jason for BOE

Our school system was in serious trouble. Without going into detail, all of us who paid attention know of what I speak. At that time, to be on the Bibb County Board Of Education was not exactly a dream job, quite the opposite, truth be told. Fortunately, for the community, Jason Downey stood for office and was elected. Since then he has been a tireless advocate for our childre. We now have a new board to a great extent, and from what I gather, they are just beginning to hit their “stride.” To interrupt this now would be far from our best interests. In the short three years since taking his office we have seen graduation rates go up from 52 percent in 2012 to 71 percent last year — an increase nearly triple the state average increase during the same time period. We have not seen a tax increase and I can tell you, that is not something Downey takes lightly.

To replace him at this point makes no sense whatsoever. One of the people running against him, with a tip of the cap for vagueness, simply states “we haven’t progressed.” These numbers would seem to indicate otherwise. His other opponent leaves it quite simple with his wanting to “help improve the experience.” While these are grand aspirations, one is left to wonder where were these people when we were in the midst of those mind-numbing problems? If my memory serves me well, there was only one person willing to get in there and make a difference. I seriously appreciate it. To borrow from one of his teammates, “Thank You Jason!”

‘Macon’ progress

I endorse Bob Easter for school board District 6. Bob is a champion for our students and will bring positive change. I’ve known Bob for two years and during that time his love for improving the lives of our students has been clear. Bob has a plan to equip our kids with the skills they need to be college and career ready. Bob has taught in our public schools. Bob will support and work with our teachers. Bob Believes in common sense solutions and is a creative problem solver. Bob is a small business owner who knows what employers are looking for from our students. Bob has integrity, credibility and is a man of his word. Bob is the right person to lead the school board. Vote for positive change, Vote for “Macon” progress, Vote for Bob Easter.

Easter for our kids

The educational success of all children throughout Macon-Bibb County is critical to the future of this community, state, nation and world. And no one knows better than Bob Easter what it will take and how to prepare the students of the Bibb County School District educationally and skillfully, in order for each of them to truly become productive, contributing, successful citizens of this community and beyond.

Bob Easter is a person of great character. He is an energetic, concerned, compassionate and natural-born leader and communicator, who has dedicated his life to bringing positive change to any situation. As a board member and representative for District 6, Bob Easter will be committed to improving the quality of education in the Bibb County School District, and will be very instrumental as he works closely with the entire school board and Superintendent Curtis Jones to ensure the students, teachers, administrators and support staff are provided with the necessary tools for educational success.

As a longtime friend of Bob Easter, I ask for your vote for Easter for school board District 6 on Tuesday, May 24. A vote for Bob Easter, will be a “Yes” for the educational success of each student of the Bibb County School District.

Crossover vote

On May 24, we will be electing a tax commissioner in Bibb County. I will be voting on the Democratic ballot in order to elect Wade McCord as tax commissioner. McCord is currently serving as interim tax commissioner, having been appointed by Tommy Tedders, the retiring commissioner about six months ago. Wade graduated from Georgia College and State University and moved to Macon to work for the Bibb County Tax Commissioner’s Office — his only employer for the last 21 years.

During my last few years as a Bibb County commissioner, I had the opportunity to work with Wade on a number of tax and fee issues. Without question, Wade has the knowledge and experience to run and manage the Macon-Bibb County Tax Commissioner’s Office. Most importantly, Wade is honest and trustworthy. Over the past six months as tax commissioner, Wade has improved the efficiency of the office cutting wait times by over 30 percent and has accounted for every single penny coming into and out of his office.

It is absolutely essential we elect McCord as tax commissioner. The election of Wade’s opponent would have a long-term devastating effect on the financial well-being of Macon-Bibb County. While Wade is not a politician, he is the most qualified candidate for tax commissioner. His opponent has zero qualifications and experience for this position. As a Republican, I will cross over and vote on the Democratic ballot in order to elect Wade McCord as tax commissioner.

Voting for change

Both Sen. Johnny Isakson and U.S. Rep. Austin Scott face opponents in the May 24 Republican Primary. I wonder why? Is it because voters are frustrated with the gridlock in Washington? Yes. Is it because voters are angry that there are record revenues but Congress still has to borrow money? Yes. Is it because voters are mad that the national debt increases each year? Yes. Is it because voters are disappointed that the size of government grows each year? Yes.

Both Isakson and Scott are professional politicians. For years they have campaigned as champions of social conservative issues. But their records are not of fiscal responsibility. If there is to be a change, voters have to vote for either their primary opponet or their opponent in the general election.

Leaded thinking

In a current television ad for his re-election, Sen. Johnny Isakson pridefully asserts that he has never supported a tax increase. That is exactly the kind of thinking that got Flint, Michigan, where it is today.

This story was originally published May 19, 2016 at 9:00 PM with the headline "This is Viewpoints for Friday, May 20, 2016."