BJ Fletcher Believes Strong Mayor Means Strong Albany
Monday, July 11th, 2011
According to BJ Fletcher, small business owner and candidate for Albany mayor, voters have an opportunity in the upcoming election to move Albany into the 21st century by electing city leaders who favor a legislative change to a “strong mayor” form of city government. Three city commissioner seats are up for election this year in addition to mayor.
“Albany is one of the few cities left in the state without a strong mayor. In 2000, Albany was listed as one of the 10 leading cities in Georgia, but not anymore. Now Valdosta, which has a strong mayor, has moved into the top 10,” Fletcher said.
Currently with seven city commissioners, a city manager, downtown manager and a mayor, it is often difficult to reach consensus on the many issues facing the city. Any effort to give the Albany mayor more power requires support from three commissioners and the mayor, followed by a legislative change in Atlanta.
“I don’t see this as a power grab at all but simply a need to change. We need to be able to have a strong, aligned leadership team that is on the same page,” Fletcher continued.Fletcher is owner of Café 230, Downtown Farm Market and managing partner of Ole Times Country Buffet Restaurant. Born in Albany, she returned to the community about 12 years ago.
“I was disturbed by some of the changes. You can’t drive by the closed businesses and foreclosures and not care. I’m running for mayor because I want to give back to my community,” she explained.
Jobs are priority one
If she becomes mayor, jobs will be the top priority for Fletcher. She said, “I have heard great business people in Albany say that they will give it another three years and I know they mean it. I’m educating myself on what business owners say they need to succeed here.”
Fletcher has spent time learning about the issues faced by businesses like MillerCoors. She said, “They employ about 700 people but the issues they face are the same issues a small business owner faces. There are just more zeroes on the end.”
Fletcher lists a city energy tax as one tax that puts Albany at a disadvantage in attracting and retaining businesses compared to other cities in Georgia. She believes open communications can address issues raised by residents who oppose giving businesses tax breaks.
“To a small business owner who says do we really need to give big corporations more help, I say employees of big corporations are your customers so when we help them, it helps you too,” Fletcher said. A focus on jobs also has a positive impact on public safety, according to Fletcher. “If people are working then they are home at night and the streets are safer.”
Restoring honor to Albany
Fletcher also believes the city should shine a spotlight more often on its strengths. “We need to stop talking about Cooper Tire and Merck. We are a great family-oriented community with lots to do. There’s the Flint River Aquarium, parks and festivals – all very affordable,” she said.
Fletcher would like to see others do as she did – move back to Albany when they are ready to settle down. “I think every person raised in Albany needs to leave home for a little bit, but when they are ready to have a family, I want them to say let’s go back home.”
She list churches, schools and a strong sense of family as compelling reasons to settle in Albany. Fletcher also believes families who live nearby in Georgia, Florida and Alabama will then add Albany to their list of places to visit. “I want honor restored to Albany, Georgia,” Fletcher explained.
More information on BJ Fletcher and her campaign for mayor is available at www.bj4mayor.com.
