The Macon Plague

Since Wednesday, I have spent most of my time either in the bed or at the doctor's office. Now, Daryl is recovering from what I have dubbed the "Macon Plague." At first, we thought it was food poisoning and blamed a pack of peanut butter M&M's. Turns out, the candy was falsely accused, since this illness is clearly contagious. I'm better, and Daryl's healing. And, the world kept right on turning without us.

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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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Macon for Martin

We have an opportunity to elect a new democratic senator from Georgia, Jim Martin. Though the press had written him off on election night, when all the votes were counted, Martin forced Chambliss into a runoff. There's no doubt that the runoff will be expensive and that volunteers will be needed. To that end, tomorrow, on Veteran's Day, Georgia Women Vote is joining with bloggers all across the country to host a Happy Hour for Jim Martin. I hope that you can join us tomorrow night as we help Jim raise the money and the volunteer power Jim needs to win in December. If you can't make the event, you can donate to the campaign here, and your can sign up to volunteer here.

What? Macon for Martin

Where? The Hummingbird Stage and Taproom
430 Cherry Street
Macon, Georgia 31201

When? Tuesday, Nov. 11th at 5:30 p.m.

Cash Bar

Everyone is welcome, and while there is no admission charge, we hope that you will come, give what you can and/or volunteer to help the campaign. See you tomorrow!

By the way, tomorrow is Veteran's Day, so let me just say: Do it for Max!!

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Yappy Hour!!

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Blitz to remove blight.

One of the best parts of my job as a member of Macon's City Council is to serve on the Community Resources and Development Committee which reviews and supports the work of the Economic and Community Development Department. ECDD works on numeorous issues in our community including neighborhood stabilization and revitalization. The following is a press release from ECDD regarding the demolition blitz that begins this Friday in the Bartlett Crossing Community. I urge everyone to come out and celebrate as we move forward toward improvement of that community and all of Macon.

On Friday October 24, the City of Macon through its Economic and Community Development Department (ECD) will take a bold step to eradicate blight and decline in the Bartlett Crossing Community. In partnership with the City’s environmental contractor, Geotechnical Environmental Consultants (GEC) and the Department of Public Works, ECD will demolish 35 open and dilapidated units in the two block area adjacent to the intersection of Bartlett Street and Ernest Street. The public is invited to attend the press conference at 9:00 a.m. located on the 1100 block of Ernest Street. Demolition of the dilapidated structures will commence shortly thereafter and continue for next several weeks.

Community Leaders from the Manna Community Housing and Development Organization, Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church and the City are working on a plan to revitalize the Bartlett Crossing Community. In response to their efforts, ECD has agreed to take down as many abandoned properties in the area as possible. ECD has identified over 100 units of abandoned housing units within the Bartlett Crossing Community. “I made a promise to Manna and the Bartlett Crossing community that I would do something about blight in Bartlett Crossing once I became Mayor.” says Mayor Robert A.B. Reichert. “I am pleased that we are able to this in my first year in office.”

Once these 35 properties have been removed, the City demolition total for the year will be 70 units, nearly doubling last years pace. Kevin DuBose, the Director of Economic and Community Development cites the creation of the Neighborhoods Division with his department as the biggest reason for the increased production. “The City is well on its way of making its commitment of tearing down 100 dilapidated housing units this year. We are using new tools to fight blight and we are getting results.”

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More Macon Endorsements for Martin

More of those key grassroots endorsements from Middle Georgia:

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Summing Up the U.S. Senate Race

Jim Martin was in Macon today for a good old fashioned fish fry. (By the way, if you ever have a chance to eat hushpuppies that Henry Gallimore made, you should.) Martin picked some key grassroots endorsements that I think accurately reflect the mood of voters. As far as I'm concerned, this one pretty much sums up the race:

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It's Official: Macon Classified as Federal Disaster Area

The Telegraph is reporting that President Bush has declared Bibb and other counties in Middle Georgia a major disaster area as a result of the Mother's Day Tornado. As a result, we will receive significant financial assistance. For example, the feds will pick up the tab for the $100K plus the City of Macon has paid in overtime for storm clean-up. They will also pay for things like the destroyed 20K tornado siren at Macon State.

There is also help for individuals. As the Telegraph reports:

Residents and business owners who suffered losses may begin applying for assistance Saturday by registering online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEM (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.
The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

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Join Jane Kidd In Macon On Thursday!

Join Jane Kidd in Macon on Thursday, May 15th!

315 College Street, Suite 150Macon, GA, 31201

Google Maps

May 15, 2008

5:30pm -7:00pm

Please Join

Chair Jane Kidd, Congressman Jim Marshall, Senator Robert Brown, Rep. Nikki Randall, Sheriff Jerry and Mary Modena, Councilwoman Lauren Benedict, Bibb County Chair Steve Allen, Amy and Daryl Morton, Duke Groover, Thomas W. Herman, Marc Treadwell, Dwan Packnett, and Nancy Terrill

At a Reception to Support

The Democratic Party of Georgia

Thursday, May 15, 20085:30 pm – 7:00 pm
At the offices of Amy and Daryl Morton

315 College Street, Suite 150

Macon, Georgia 31201

Host Committee & VIP dinner - $1,000 Host Committee - $500 State Party Sponsor - $250State Party Supporter - $100 -Young Professional - $75

Please RSVP by May 8, 2008 to: tim@georgiademocrat.org or by telephone: (678) 278-2102
Contributions may also be mailed to: Democratic Party of Georgia

P.O. Box 77856Atlanta, GA 30357

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GMA Praises Porter

Again, Georgia Democrats may have no better friend than Glenn Richardson.

Today, the Georgia Municipal Association held a listening session in Macon, and according to those present, Executive Director Jim Higdon had glowing praise for Rep. Dubose Porter and the Democratic leadership in the House. Higdon said that Porter sought him out early in the session and pledged to hold the caucus together to oppose Richardson's now-infamous tax plan. And, Porter delivered. Higdon also praised Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and Rep. Richard Royal for their support. Had it passed, the GREAT Tax would have seriously undermined the control and authority of local governments. Higdon noted that the Speaker-for whom he showed no love-pushed the plan forward despite the absence of research to discover whether the plan was (a) needed and (b) effective.

This is the kind of critical, behind the scenes work Porter does frequently. He doesn’t showboat, but instead works quietly and effectively to build relationships with key individuals and organizations, like GMA. Politically, those are relationships that can pay big dividends for Democrats this fall. Though much has been written here and elsewhere about Richardson’s “GREAT” Tax Plan, it is worth remembering and truly remarkable that Democrats were able to cobble together a coalition and defeat the plan. Richardson ran the equivalent of well-financed, statewide campaign in support of the plan. We had virtually no money to spend opposing the plan, but we beat him anyway. That's one for the books.

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Shocked, I Tell You, Shocked and Astounded

Some folks have been waiting for years for this shoe to drop. U.S. Attorney Max Wood sent a love letter to the City of Macon inviting indicating that the Ellis administration misused money and made false statements to the feds in connection to grant money-money they allege the City spent in ways other than intended. It may take months before we all recover from our astonishment at the allegation that Ellis would've done such a thing. But, the feds just might want their money back, and my question is-is the City of Macon really going to be the only entity punished here?

Does Jack walk away? With him being the only City Official named, and with the language "making false statements to a government official" floating around, I'm guessing Jack better be hiring a lawyer, booking a trip or both.

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State Money Slashed for Georgia Sports and Music Halls of Fame

I am hearing that , based on the supplemental budget passed within the last few days, the state allocation for the budgets of the Georgia Sports and Music Halls of Fame will be cut in half. Both are located in Macon and get zero love from the Atlanta legislative delegations. They are at the heart of the museum district in Macon, and if they ceased to exist, that would be a huge blow to downtown. In that same area of town, we already have the struggling Georgia Children's Museum and the large, unfinished new Tubman. How did this funding cut fly under the radar? What did our local delegation do to try to stop it? I understand that the final vote it tomorrow, and that the budget is pretty much veto-proof.

Update:

I understand that the Senate Appropriations Committee partially restored funding (that the House cut) to the Sports Hall of Fame & the Music Hall of Fame budgets. Both museums will be an issue in the budget conference.

The most effective thing we can do is to call the Senate & House budget conferees. Senate budget conferees are Sen. Eric Johnson, Sen. Tommie Williams and Sen. Jack Hill. House budget conferees are Rep. Jerry Keen, Rep. Ben Harbin and Rep. Mark Burkhalter.

(I look at this list and see no Middle Georgia names. I think that may not bode well for restoration of funding, especially when there are bigger fish to fry-like trauma care.)

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Poll: Should Macon Become a "City of Ethics"?

There seems to be a little disagreement over whether Macon City Council should pass the resolution that will make us eligible to become a GMA-designated City of Ethics. This entails, among other steps, establishing a local ethics panel to review complaints and take action if merited. Some council members are just a bit reluctant. What do you think we should do?

Opinion Polls & Market Research

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But, Erick, the Way is Narrow that Leads to Life

I'm not sure what Erick's problem is with taking the necessary steps to make Macon a designated "City of Ethics." This was one of Robert Reichert's most popular campaign promises. On the heels of an administration that failed to inspire public confidence, this was a breath of fresh air. Is there really someone out there who doesn't want elected officials and, in this instance, city employees to be highly accountable to the public? Yet, Erickson says that The Road to Hell is Paved With Ethics Resolutions. He goes on to say that he, as a political consultant often encourages third parties who are supporting a candidate to file ethics complaints "at the mere hint of any impropriety." Okay, well, we'll be looking for that...but seriously, how can Council NOT pass this legislation?

But, hey, if a local ethics board makes you uncomfortable, roll the dice. I'm betting a vote against this writes your opponents first piece of campaign mail.

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No, Actually, I'm Not Going

It's great that President Clinton is coming to Macon tomorrow. Folks have been calling this afternoon asking about whether I am going. I can't go because have a previous commitment-that's it, nothing more. I'm sure that he will be charming, smart and charismatic as usual. His visit does beg a question. During this cycle, John Edwards has been to Macon and to Americus, and Elizabeth Edwards has been here twice and has also been to Savannah. With February 5th fast approaching, neither Hillary Clinton nor Barack Obama have been to the mid-state.

Reckon they'll come? Now, that's a good question for Bill...

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Together

In the last municipal elections in Macon, if we learned nothing else, we learned that a positive message of inclusion won the day. Maconites are sick of infighting, backstabbing and "ya-yaing." Experience is valuable. Fresh faces and fresh ideas are valuable. Most of all voters expect elected officials to put aside their personal agendas, their personal differences and work together, sharing knowledge, expertise and vision to benefit the city. "It's not about me" would be a pretty good motto for elected officials.

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The Macon-Clinton Connection

Okay, by now you all know that Edwards has my support, but did you know that a Maconite is playing a key role in the Clinton campaign? Jay Carson, who has worked for Tom Daschle and Bill Clinton and is now press secretary to Hillary Clinton, is originally from Macon. Over at The Atlantic, Marc Ambinder has a caption contest that involves Jay. Check it out here.

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It Always Makes Me Feel Good About Macon

Promising. Optimistic. Full of potential. That's how people seem to be feeling about Macon's future, and I think the positive attitude is justified. We do have the promise new leadership in government, and there are so many people in the community who are ready and able to step up to lead. Again this year, I had the opportunity to help with interviews for next year's Leadership Macon class. Every time I do this, I feel more optimistic about the future of our community because I meet wonderful, talented engaged people who are ready to invest their time and energy in making Macon a better place to live. It really is a privilege.

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So, Dale was in Macon Today

Flack, in his usual subtle manner, has already weighed in on Cardwell's message of the day. I went to Cardwell's press conference in Macon today. See the photographic evidence above. Here's the critique. I like his "fighting for the little guy" populist stance. I like the fact that he is only taking money from individual donors. I do not like that "fixing out broken border" is his #1 issue. It's just not what folks are talking about at the lunch counter in Macon. I do appreciate the fact that he was out working the state today, trying to get himself into the news cycle. It's tough when you're not the sitting senator and have little money. So, he gets points for being creative. But, no offense to Cardwell, we are in deep, deep trouble in this senate race. There has been no coalescing of Democratic dollars behind a candidate, and until that happens, we have no chance in this race. It is as if we are all just waiting for the right person to step up, and time is running out.

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The NYC-Macon Connection

So, do you think that Macon could be an interesting subject for a documentary film? Several weeks ago, Randy Stulberg called me. She said that she and her brother, Jeremy, independent filmmakers from New York City, had been reading about Macon-the community, the politics-and had come across this blog. She said they were researching ideas for their next documentary film, and were thinking of visiting Macon. We talked for a while, and, frankly, I didn't think I would hear from them again. But, I was wrong. Several days later, Randy called to say they'd booked their tickets and would be here for several days beginning on Nov. 4th. They came, stayed for several days and are headed back to NYC tomorrow.

So, since last Sunday, Randy and Jeremy have been hanging out in Macon, meeting people, talking, filming and doing a little research. They're headed back to NYC tomorrow, in time to see their last film begin showing at the Museum of Modern Art. Both Randy and Jeremy are NYU graduates, and they have already impressed critics with their first documentary, Off the Grid:Life on the Mesa. Off the Grid is one of five independent films nominated for a prestigious Gotham Award in the category of "Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You." The awards will be presented on Tuesday, Nov. 27th, and I'm pulling for Randy and Jeremy. Will they end up making a film about Macon? Who knows, but they are absolutely charming, talented and genuinely interested in our unique community. It's been a pleasure to have them in town. If you'd like to catch a glimpse of their work, click below to view the trailer for Off the Grid.

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