Incumbent Macon-Bibb mayor faces challenger in bid for reelection. Here are the candidates

First-term Mayor Lester Miller faces his first reelection battle this year as he seeks another term leading Macon-Bibb County.

Miller is one of only two candidates who have qualified for the mayor’s race ahead of the May 21 election, with his opponent being Shekita Maxwell.

Because the race for mayor of Macon-Bibb County is a non-partisan election, the race will be decided on May’s Election Day rather than the General Election in November. The new term will begin Jan. 1.

Here’s what to know about the candidates.

LESTER MILLER

Miller is a graduate of Mercer University and Mercer University School of Law. He won the race for mayor in 2020 and prior to that ran for Superior Court judge but did not win. Miller also ran for the Bibb County School Board, where he served two terms.

Miller serves on the boards of directors of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, NewTown Macon, the Central Georgia Joint Development Authority, the Economic Development Commission, the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, the MATS (Policy Committee), the Middle Georgia Regional Commission, the Macon-Bibb County Affordable Housing Fund Board and the Georgia Municipal Association.

“I work collaboratively with all of these organizations to attract new businesses and industry to Macon, support job growth, build on the success of existing businesses and revitalize struggling neighborhoods in our city,” Miller said.

He is also involved with nonprofit organizations, youth programs and schools.

Miller said that if elected for a second term, he plans to focus on improving public safety, expanding economic development, keeping taxes low while providing needed services, getting the Ocmulgee River area recognized as Georgia’s first national park, promoting tourism and improving infrastructure.

“I will continue prioritizing public safety, continuing full funding for law enforcement and providing additional funding for upgraded facilities, training for first responders and to attract new and retain veteran public safety employees,” he said. “I will continue the successful Macon Violence Prevention program, focusing funding on the successful interventions that address the root causes of violent crime, including accessible and effective mental health services.”

Miller said his team is also focused on major upgrades to the local airport to attract more travel through the area.

Miller said he would also look to build on the progress made in attracting economic development to all areas of Macon, even neighborhoods that previously have not been given attention as destinations for development.

“We’ve made tremendous progress in just three short years. As mayor, I did not do that alone. I work with a great team of both elected officials and community leaders who are always determined to find a way to say ‘yes’ to the things that will benefit our community,” he said. “In the next four years, I look forward to continuing the good work that has begun and seeing Macon-Bibb continue to flourish.”

SHEKITA MAXWELL

Maxwell graduated from Tuskegee University with a Bachelors of Science in clinical laboratory science, two masters degrees from Mercer University and is currently enrolled in Westland College in the industrial organization psychology program.

Maxwell is a biological scientist and chemist with the United States Food and Drug Administration, according to her campaign website.

Maxwell didn’t respond to interview requests from The Telegraph. But in an interview with The Glory radio show, Maxwell said she is running for mayor to fight for all the people who have been left out of the story of prosperity. She said it looks like there are two different cities in Macon.

“We’re not united and people are not being heard,” she said. “So, I’m running for mayor to unite the city.”

She went on to say her main focus, if elected, would be affordable housing, stopping wrongful evictions, Medicaid expansion and mental health.

Maxwell discussed the lack of resources and opportunity in areas such as south and east Macon.

“In these neighborhoods we see degradation, we see debris, we see drugs, we see crime increase,” she said. “Only in north Macon do you get all the luxury of what is seems like to be a community.”

Maxwell says her goal is to bring hope, unity, transparency, respect, and love throughout Macon-Bibb County. She stated all citizens of Macon-Bibb will have an opportunity to prosper and have a safe life if she is elected, according to her Facebook campaign page.

Maxwell has faced legal issues in the lead-up to the election. She faces battery charges for allegedly attacking an employee of her old apartment complex, according to court documents.

She has denied wrongdoing.

Since the election for mayor is nonpartisan, the mayor’s race will be decided in the primary on May 21 and the new term will begin on January 1, 2025.

Voters can take a look at a comprehensive election calendar, voter registration status and voting precincts on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website.