Macon is Central Georgia’s largest city with approximately 90,000 people. However, just like many growing cities, Macon has their share of problems that need to be addressed.
For mayoral candidate, Paul Bronson, he believes he is the man for the job and is dedicated in trying to strengthen the relationship between the City of Macon, the school system and its church community.
Even though being able to bring business and industry to Macon is a top priority, a mayor who is responsive in helping Macon-Bibb County Public Schools become better is very much needed.
Bronson, one of the youngest candidates ever to run for Macon Mayor, is a 2004 Central High school alum and recent graduate of Fort Valley State University. Plus, he has been serving in the military for the past eight years and is currently in the Georgia Army National Guard as a Second Lieutenant in the 48th Brigade.
Bronson’s age can be an asset in regard to him having a better understanding to what issues affect younger people in Central Georgia’s most progressive city in which the average age is 34 years old.
Among younger people under 25, the issue of violence and crime has been a recurring problem. Last November, several area churches led an anti-violence march through the Unionville neighborhood in order to make a difference.
Recently, Bronson got a close-up look of what Macon Police had to deal with on a day-to-day basis by riding along and observing a typical day along with taking time to speak with the residents of Bloomfield and Village Green neighborhoods.
Bronson's action and words suggest he wants to be a proactive mayor and understands that something must be done to help save a generation of youth and provide a constructive, positive path for them.
In a past interview, Bronson says he would have an hands-on approach if he becomes mayor and spend every day trying to earn the trust of the people.
Bronson has been a Bibb County firefighter for nearly six years, but he has also been a substitute teacher in the Bibb County School System as well.
Developing a working relationship with the Bibb County Superintendent is something that Bronson believes is essential if Macon is going to change for the better and to help improve overall student performance.
Bronson has advocated that there is a need to …”increase communication and develop an collaboration between City of Macon and Bibb County Board of Education to ensure data driven instruction is implemented in the everyday curriculum. There has been a decrease in the communication between the two entities and if there is any hope of saving our children and our education system, it will take the unity of both”
Bibb County’s graduation rate increased to 63.4% in 2010, and the number of regular diplomas earned increased to 1,062. This past year’s graduation rate reflects an almost 10 percentage point increase since 2003 when it was 54%.
The Democratic primary for Macon mayor is slated for July 19th.
