The City of North Macon??

Listening around the eaves, I'm hearing some rumblings about a desire on the part of some to create a new city in North Bibb County. Some see merit in the idea of incorporating the area as a hedge against annexation by the City of Macon and imagine a new "city" school system focused on charter schools.

I live in the area of town we're talking about here, and I think that such an effort would be counterproductive for our community. We do not need yet another layer of government in Bibb County. We do not need another school system. We do not need to further duplicate services. I hope that this is just a rumor that will die on the vine, and quickly.

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Republican Pundit Cites Bishop's Vulnerability

Here's another example of why I think Charlie Bishop is in deep trouble. Republican pundit and City Council member Erick Erickson has posted a thoughtful piece about all the reasons why Bishop's re-election will be "difficult." Erickson, who managed Bishop's campaign in 2004, will be "sitting this race out." That's a very bad sign for Bishop. Erickson sees a tough row to hoe for Bishop against Sam Hart, especially if Obama is the nominee. I agree with Erick. Even if Obama is not the nominee, the desire for change, progress and a little statesmanship in government was made clear in Reichert's election. I think we'll see the same thing in the Chairman's race. People are going to cross party lines for a competent leader who works and plays well with others. Plus, I'm already hearing about campaign tactics that are sure to turn off voters.

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Sam Hart Set to Announce Bid for Bibb Commission Chair

Today at 4 pm, Sam Hart will announce today his intention to run for Chairman of the Bibb County Commission. The announcement will be made at the Bibb County Courthouse, in commission chambers. Everyone is welcome to attend, and I hope you will. Personally, I'm pleased to see someone with Sam's integrity and experience running for this important post. Some people say that Sam is the quiet voice on the commission. I suspect he learned a long time ago that you learn more from listening than from talking. It is time for Macon and Bibb County to have leaders at the helm who can bring people together to solve the tough problems facing this community. Good luck, Sam!

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The Forest Hill Road Saga Continues...

I have heard from several sources that Bibb County Commission Chair, Charlie Bishop, is in the process of scheduling meetings with small groups of City Council members regarding the Forest Hill Road Project. I wonder what the Chairman intends to accomplish at these meetings and whether they are open to the public. I am hopeful that this signals a willingness on the Chairman's part to consider altering the plans.

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This Smells a Little

The open records act request below hit my email this afternoon, and I have to say, this smells a bit. Lindsay Holliday seems to think that Rep. Allen Peake and three of our five Bibb County Commissioners had a meeting with officials at GDOT without notifying the public. I'm not sure if this meeting was an effort on the part of Peake to advocate for the people in his district. If so, notice would've been a good thing. Here's the letter:

From: Holliday Dental [mailto:teeth@mindspring.com]
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2007 1:56 PM
To: Steve LaysonCc: vadams@ajtlaw.com; Joe Allen; Lauren L. Benedict
Subject: Open Records Request - Meeting 9/17/07

Steve Layson slayson@co.bibb.ga.us
Chief Administrative Officer
Bibb County Board of Commissioners

Re: Open Records Request - Meeting 9/17/07

Dear Mr Layson,

It is my understanding that three (3) Bibb Commissioners were present at the meeting with Rep Peake & GDOT, in Atlanta on Monday, Sept 17th 2007. The Commissioners discussed the Macon-Bibb RIP - Roads Improvement Program, and its SPLOST monies. They also specifically discussed their policy and financial commitments to the design of the $17Million proposed expansion of Forest Hill Road. Any 3 Bibb County Commissioners constitutes a quorum. The Georgia Sunshine Law requires that whenever a quorum meets, the public shall receive advance notice of the meeting, and minutes shall be taken and made available to the public. I am hereby requesting a copy of the minutes of the meeting of the Bibb County Commissioners who did meet in Atlanta with the Ga DOT on September 17th, 2007. Thanka, Lindsay
PS - this is a follow-up to citizen requests at the regular scheduled meeting if the Bibb Commission on 9-18-07 here:
http://www.macon-bibb.com/FHR/FHR_Meeting20070918.htm


The plan to widen Forest Hill Road in Macon is a hot local issue, and one that I have not studied closely. Forest Hill Road is a winding road through a residential area, and it is beautifully lined with trees. I have traveled on that road frequently, and rarely recall being delayed in traffic. It appears to me that the road needs some repairs-there are lots of potholes, and there are a couple of intersections, particularly one at Ridge and Forest Hill, that need to be revamped. But, along with most residents of the area, I cannot comprehend why there is a need for a vast widening project. There was a time when the thought was that this was a road people would use to get to and from the Macon Mall. Well, the Mall as we know it is about to be history as a new mall is constructed in North Bibb. It will be interesting to see the response to this request.

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Bibb District I Commission Seat: Who's in?

In Bibb County, we have a special election set for September to fill the County Commission Seat recently vacated by Sam Hart. I hear that current school board member Terry Tripp may toss her hat into the ring, along with Steve Bell, former Director of Development for The Georgia Children's Museum and media guru. Any others???

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Steve Bell is Running for Bibb County Commission

I had heard that Steve Bell intended to run for Sam Hart's seat on the Bibb County Commission, but that intention was confirmed today in an odd sort of way. Remember the sign vultures? Some have returned, and this time, instead of taking a sign, they left one. Saturday night, a sign asserting that Steve Bell will listen and lead in his quest to become a county commissioner appeared on private (church) property. The pastor said she didn't request the sign, and I haven't seen the signs anywhere else in town. It was just sort of 'out of the blue' and a little early for the commission seat special election, don't you think? But, anyway, he is apparently running.

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