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ADVERTISEMENT Mallory Jones FOR MACON BIBB COMMISSIONER mallorycjones@gmail.com (478) 745-3991 What is your business background? I worked in a family wholesale distribution business for 17 years. I ran that same business for the last 12 years before we sold it. We covered 11 counties in Middle Georgia and we employed 30 people. For the last 24 years, I have run my own real estate business and I've taught real estate contracts to Coldwell Banker offices in Macon, Warner Robins, and Milledgeville. What do you see as the future for the new Macon Bibb County? With the right leadership, I see a community that is attracting new people and industry again. I see a government that is truly accountable to the people. I see new jobs created by Macon becoming the shipping hub of the state of Georgia. I see a safe and vibrant community. I see a place called Macon that we are proud to call Home. Why are you running for Commissioner of the new consolidated government? Since 1970 when I first moved to Macon, beginning with my parents and followed by many others over the years, so many people spoke of Macon's great potential. We have so many great assets, including location, a bountiful water supply, Cherry Blossom Festival, Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, and much more, and yet we are not growing. With my business background, I have new ideas on how to grow our community in a responsible way so that it becomes a safe and vibrant place to live. What are the qualities of a good commissioner for our new government? Our leaders should always be open and honest. Our government must be totally transparent and accountable to the citizens. A good leader must have new ideas and utilize common sense solutions. A good leader should be available to meet and listen to his constituents and then be willing to help solve the problem or concern. What is the single biggest mistake a leader can make? If an elected official ever forgets that he works for the people, then he has lost sight of the stated purpose; that is, that we must be a government of, by, and for the people. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 MACON MAGAZINE I 69