Just like that, it’s over. Arthur Williams has happily been relegated back into the world of the former city commissioners, and Richard Bush managed to get re-elected despite sitting on his butt and not actually doing much of anything during his campaign. Yeah…it looks like Leesburg hasn’t learned much from Albany.
Now, in all fairness, I won’t spend a lot of time talking about Bush, because his opponent was my partner and good friend Jeff Sexton. But I do believe it indicates the good old boy system has never completely left Southwest Georgia. It’s a shame too. Leesburg would have benefitted from Jeff’s leadership.
In Albany though, Ward 3 voters have shown Arthur Williams the door. Again. And somehow, in four years, I suspect he’ll be back. I don’t think he’s accepted defeat, despite the massive margin of victory for Pike. However, that margin was indeed there and Pike is the next Ward 3 City Commissioner.
The election, and the huge margin, reminded me that people remember Williams far to well for him to win election in Albany, Georgia. His years of race baiting, finger pointing, and attempts to rip off the city through his expense filings haven’t been forgotten. Ward 3 voters reminded Williams that they’re through with him, and they let him know as forcefully as they could.
The only way to be more forceful involves tar, feathers, and a rail. I don’t think Chief Proctor would allow that either…unfortunately.
In January, there will be a new face on the Commission. Christopher Pike has the opportunity to be a force for change and can perhaps help move Albany in a new, better direction. Frankly, I don’t think he’ll be able to get a lot done with the other folks on the Commission, but perhaps Pike’s election shows that people in Albany are fed up with the antics of the past. Maybe, just maybe, this is a sign that other commissioners need to be scared for their jobs.
To Mr. Pike: I offer my congratulations. You were my first official endorsement. But if you don’t keep the people of Albany in mind when you make your decisions for the next four years, I will not hold back. I will hold you accountable for your actions, and if you let me down, I’ll do everything I can to keep you from being reelected in four years.
And don’t worry…I’d say this to any election winner here in Albany. This is my home, for better or worse. It’s yours too. So let’s move forward and make Albany great again. Let’s bring the “Good Life” back to the “Good Life City”.
We are frequently reminded that a person was elected because of “the black vote”. Well, in this case, Pike was elected because of “the white vote”. Not that it matters, mind you, but this is what one normally hears–one group “put them in”.
What does matter is we needed another voice of reason on the commission and perhaps we have it. We know Williams would have been “more of the same”. If he does nothing else, perhaps Pike will stay within his expense allowance.
Chris Pike is smart and a quick study. And he already has some forward thinking thoughts on what it takes to move the city along. It will be interesting how his ideas and motions are accepted by 3 other voters on the panel – to achieve a 4 vote majority.
Particularly depending on the process and results over the next couple years, it may be necesary to gear up for the next round of city elections when 4 seats on the commission (including mayor) are at stake.
Young-minded, aggressive, forward-thinking, action-oriented people, even in office together for just a couple years, will make all the difference in for Albany. Important foundations and plans can be laid.
Isn’t this the time for creating NEW opportunities in this city…not just bringing in out-of-the-area ownership groups that create minimum wage jobs? Or, if an operation is successful, to take the profits out of the community.
Supporting local ownership is key. Equinox Chemicals founded by local Mark Grimaldi is a great example…higher paying jobs and local ownership wealth being created. Very promising and it is only a 6-year old company. I only know what I read in the Herald, but it seems we need more like him.
Grow our own!!