‘The community is hungry’ | Macon mayoral candidate Shekita Maxwell shares platform, goals

MACON, Ga. — Macon mayoral candidate Shekita Maxwell says she’s focusing on economics, safety and infrastructure if she’s elected to be Macon-Bibb County’s next mayor.

Maxwell shared those goals with 13WMAZ in March when she first announced, but she refused to elaborate. She explained more of her plans last month with former Macon Mayor C. Jack Ellis on his show Middle Georgia Spotlight.

After Maxwell accepted an interview with 13WMAZ, then postponed it — then canceled it, Ellis granted 13WMAZ permission to use his interview with her.

Speaking on job creation, Maxwell suggested ways to attract companies to fill the void some industries created when they left. She points to the tobacco plant for now-defunct Brown and Williamson that closed more than a decade ago.

“How do we get those companies back? It’s collaboration. Giving them tax breaks, tax cuts. But also the training of the men,” Maxwell said.

She’s also calling for more law enforcement presence, like what people might see at big events like the Cherry Blossom Festival.

“We can have those many people on patrol when it’s time for everyone to come in. What about regular citizens? Why can’t they safe in their home? Not in certain seasons,” Maxwell said.

Maxwell says she worries whether Macon-Bibb County can sustain recent additions like its amphitheater.

“That was wasteful spending when people are out here starving. The community is hungry. You have homelessness. You have sports teams that don’t have matching uniforms. These simple basic needs are not being met,” she said.

Maxwell also called herself a “servant leader for the people.” She says that’s one of the things that sets her apart in the race for mayor.

Editor’s note: 13WMAZ’s invitation to Maxwell remains open if she’d like to speak with us directly and share more on her views and platform.