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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Poll: Hutto, Moffett or Youmas?

The race for Macon's Ward I, Post I seat on City Council is one of the most hotly contested races in town. It is rare for a race to feature not one, but two sitting council members (Hutto and Youmas) plus a capable newcomer who has earned the endorsement of the Telegraph. I cannot begin to call this race. Who earns your vote for this citywide seat? Vote now in our "decidedly unscientific poll."

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Moffett and Lucas Earn Telegraph's Endorsement

Early voting began today, and it appears that the Telegraph has gone with common sense rather than "God's endorsement" and given the nod to Elaine Lucas. The paper points out her experience, reliability and ability to "get things done."

In another hotly contested races, the Telegraph has given the nod to Keith Moffett, of Politics and Lunch fame, over his two opponents, incumbents Rick Hutto and Brenda Youmas. (Hutto is not an incumbent in his seat, but he is currently on council.) In this race, the Telegraph offers one of the strongest endorsements I have seen in a while, and a rather stinging rebuke to Youmas and Hutto:

The present members of council, particularly Youmas, have been part of a team that has allowed our city finances to deteriorate. While no one on council wants to admit they should have paid more attention, the excuse of its being a part-time position doesn't hold water.
Moffett brings a new perspective to council. His resume is impressive: He's a Navy veteran who served on two Trident submarines. He has earned his MBA from Wesleyan College. He's participated in Leadership Macon and Leadership Georgia. He's worked with United Way, 100 Black Men and Crisis Line.

Congratulations to Keith and Elaine!

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This is Bad. Really, Really Bad.

By the way, and for the record, before I tell this story, I want to remind everyone of a little known fact. Mayor Ellis is not a Democrat. That's right. Last year, as I listened to him on Fox 24, Mayor Ellis declared himself an independent. In light of today's headlines, it seems a good time to remind everyone. Now down to business.

I'd like to tell you that I was surprised when I opened the Telegraph today and learned that the City's audit is bad. I'm not surprised. I suspect that the with the history of financial problems that have plagued the City, few were surprised that the audit was bad. How bad? Try a fifteen million dollar error bad. Read all about it here. Below is a portion of the story:

After analyzing Macon's fiscal 2006 financial books, the city's new auditor pointed out 14 "material weaknesses" and found seven instances of the city not following state or federal regulations as it managed money.
Among the larger corrections City Hall has to make: Macon overstated by more than $15 million the value of its general fund balance at the beginning of fiscal 2006, according to the audit. Rather than starting the year with a more than $10 million surplus in the city's largest fund, Macon in fact had a deficit of more than $5 million.

Mayor Ellis said that he was not ready to discuss the audit. I bet not. I seem to recall that the Mayor didn't like the last accounting firm. Now the City is using a new firm. I imagine that he needs time to find someone new to blame.

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Kill the Deal!

Erick and I seldom agree, but we agree about this. At the League of Women Voters luncheon today, Councilwoman Nancy White, fielded numerous questions about the infamous hotel deal. According to White both she and Miriam Paris talked to 100's of voters during their recent campaigns and without exception none of these Ward 4 or 5 residents were in favor of the current deal locating the hotel on the property with the Centraplex. Everyone wanted it across the street.

In addition, City Council received a letter from Billy Pitts, Chamber President, and Chip Cherry, Chamber Executive Director, stating that the current proposal places the City of Macon and the citizens of Macon at considerable risk if the lodging tax revenue projections are not accurate. According to White, they recommended that the negotiated agreement places all the liability on the selected developer, that the bondholder agreement be drafted so to protect the City from any financial liability for the life of the bonds, that it is not in the best interest of the community for the City to hold and pay the debt service on a facility that is owned by a private entity, and that a combination of reinvesting the tax revenues from the improvements to the property and a majority of the lodging revenue from the project, back into the hotel is needed to make the project viable.

Despite the efforts of 5 City Council members, White, Paris, Mike Cranford, Ed De Fore and Charles Jones, the hotel deal stands poised to go forward. However, you can help kill the deal by urging your County Commissioners and School Board members to not approve the funding. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between City Council and Noble expires on January 23, 2007. If either the County Commission or the School Board fails to approve the funding laid out in the MOU by that date, the MOU will simply expire and the deal will be off. The City would then have the opportunity to negotiate a deal that is more in line with the needs and wants of the community.

In case your not sure who to call, the members of the Bibb County Board of Commissioners are Charlie Bishop, Chairman, Joe Allen, Bert Bivens, Sam Hart and Elmo Richardson. Their contact information can be found here. The members of the Bibb County School Board are Lynn Farmer, President, Albert Abrams, Tommy Barnes, Gary Bechtel, Tom Hudson, Susan Middleton, Bob Nickles and Terry Tripp. Their contact information can be found here.

This is an opportunity to impact a local issue - so call, fax and write your elected leaders today!

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