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Mayor of Plains Joey Recker commented on House Bill 766. The Bill has passed the House but not the Senate. The bill would provide for a study on the feasibility of a merger between the City of Americus and the government of Sumter County, with the option for other cities to opt in.

“I did have a conversation with Representative Mike Cheokas yesterday, and he explained to me that his position on it was basically to do what local officials had asked him to do and help form the Commission to study the issue.”

Even if the Bill passes the Senate, Recker does not expect success. “I do not think it’s a good idea. I don’t think it’s feasible, and I think the Commission will find that.”

Recker is opposed to the measure given the information that he has seen. “I don’t see how I would support this, or ask our City Council or citizens to support this.”

Recker is glad the bill allows local cities can opt out. However, he feels cities should have been involved in the process. “I think that the mayors of our towns should have also been included on that. I do feel a little slighted that we were not included in the initial study on this, and I do not think our citizens should have their voice taken away from them like that.”

Recker states the lack of cities is opposed to anything that could take away the voice of the citizens. “I think the biggest thing is us losing a voice. Plains is a unique town. We have our own sources of revenue. Tourism is huge.”

Recker believes that as the home town of a President, their situation is unique. “I think if we were just under a unified government, then the opinions of the citizens of Plains just gets diluted and we lose our voice.”

Leslie Mayor Mathew Daniel was also approached for comment on House Bill 766. “I do not have an opinion at this time.” Americus Mayor Lee Kinnamon has stated that he is in favor of a study on the feasibility of forming a County-City merger, but is only showing his support for a study.