MACON, Ga. — Our reporters and anchors at WMAZ want to take your questions and concerns to candidates vying for the Macon-Bibb mayor position.
We're launching the "Listening Lab" this week and taking it all over Macon to hear from you. All you have to do is show up and tell us what's on your mind.
Reporter Ashlyn Webb decided to stop by the locations early to see what issues people are talking about.
Sunday afternoon at Rosa Jackson Community Center, kids were playing on the swings, and Mantavious Pettigrew was walking to a nearby store. He says safety is his number one concern.
"Safer neighborhoods, being able to walk and know that I feel safe," Pettigrew said.
Rodrick Williams, who preaches at the church down the road agrees, and says there's multiple issues Macon has to face to find a solution to this.
"Schools, crime, education, gang activity," Williams said.
He says it has to be the community, like his church, teaming up with the local government to end violence in the area.
Next, we drove over to Central City Park right outside downtown.
"Really, the school districts need the most work in Bibb County," said Ashley Anderson.
Anderson says one of her children is about to start school in Bibb County, but she's worried.
"A lot of people don't want their kids going to Bibb County Schools, because kids are getting the crap beat out of them," Anderson said.
A group of students from Northeast High says there needs to be more encouragement in schools.
"They're there just to be there to say they're a teacher. They're there to get money. Not see us succeed," said De'Anna Flagg.
RELATED: 'They could've killed my child': Macon mom fears daughter's safety after Northeast High attack
They also want to see less violence.
"You don't know if you're going to walk outside, if you're going to get shot, or you could get robbed. You're taking a chance every time you walk outside," said Flagg.
These students want to see more programs and events that bring the community together.
"The change is going to come from each other. Security and police officers aren't going to change that," said Deja Washington.
Our last stop of the day was Tattnall Square Park.
Darryl Dixon says he wants to know how the local government will clean up the city.
"Beautify these sides of the city. You go down the roads, and you look at some of the houses and the properties, they're just blighted areas. It just brings you down when you look at it," Dixon said.
He has one question to candidates.
"What is your plan to beautify Macon? Or to eliminate these old houses. These old houses, these dilapidated properties," Dixon said.
These are just some of the issues discussed, but we still want to hear from you.
Here's where we'll be on Tuesday, Feb. 4:
- 8 to 10 a.m. at Rosa Jackson Community Center (1211 Maynard Street)
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Macon Senior Center (Smokey Glover Drive in Central City Park)
- 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Tattnall Square Park Pavilion (near Mercer University)
MORE ON THE MACON-BIBB MAYOR'S RACE
STAY ALERT | Download our FREE app now to receive breaking news and weather alerts. You can find the app on the Apple Store and Google Play.
STAY UPDATED | Click here to subscribe to our Midday Minute newsletter and receive the latest headlines and information in your inbox every day.
Have a news tip? Email news@13wmaz.com, or visit our Facebook page.