Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1184236
O C TO B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 9 | M ACO N M AG A Z I N E.CO M 7 9 looking for when I was coming up here," he said. "It matters to me to be here. This is the only place that I've ever not felt accepted but wanted to feel accepted. I want to make my stamp on this place because I want to be able to say I'm from here, this is what I do here, this is where I'm at. Before leaving, I didn't realize how intertwined I am here, and at times you don't see your place in it." Studying and working in New York also helped him recognize the impact he could have here. Weston left New York and moved back home. "In Macon I get the opportunity to learn and to grow. It's that opportunity that makes it so interesting, makes it home," he said. "In major cities, there is so much red tape. When I was doing community organizing for a nonprofit in Syracuse, and after seeing how much good I could do there ... I could only imagine how much impact something like that could have in Macon. I started to get homesick. I realized I would rather be doing this kind of work in Macon." As a student of urban planning, Weston is applying his experience, education and vision to Macon. He sees how public spaces and services can transform our town. "My goal is to truly reclaim the idea of public space as something that affects the entire community. We need to embrace the concept of integrated growth. The quality and accessibility of public transit affects everyone; it is a safety net for economic stability," he said. "I want Macon to be a great place to live for everyone, and I believe working in the public sector with the intent to connect communities is the best way for me to help make that a reality." Though it is still a journey, Weston and I have both begun to loudly claim Macon as home. We share a passion for this community and an understanding that true change starts from within. Weston has chosen to give his passion and skills to Macon and I am honored to be in such great company. "I WANT MACON TO BE A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE FOR EVERYONE, AND I BELIEVE WORKING IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR WITH THE INTENT TO CONNECT COMMUNITIES IS THE BEST WAY FOR ME TO HELP MAKE THAT A REALITY." - WESTON STROUD Holiday TOUR OF HOMES 2019 DECEMBER 7-8 • FOR TICKETS, VISIT VINEVILLE.ORG Featuring Classical, Victorian, and bungalow homes beautifully decorated for the holidays