Sims

THOMASVILLE — A Thomasville City Council member seeking re-election in November said job creation is his “main push.”

“The best social program in the world is a job,” said Don Sims, at-large city council member.

Chairman of the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority, Sims has 35 years of chamber of commerce experience here and in Cordele. He is a past chairman and current member of the Joint Development Authority board.

City government helped the PDA purchase the vacant Caterpillar building — a structure Sims said has attracted attention at local, state and national levels. He said the purchase shows an aggressive step by the city toward the creation of jobs.

In reference to law enforcement pursuits in the city, Sims said, “In this community we have to be very, very careful in fighting crime that we’re not creating a danger to our citizens.”

Crime must be deterred, but maintaining the safety of citizens also must considered, Sims said.

West Jackson Street improvements — from Madison Street to the railroad tracks — is being done slowly so property owners on the street and the general public can have input, Sims said.

He added, “We’re going to get this right.”

Improvements include burying utilities, new street lights and new sidewalks. Historic buildings and businesses will be recognized with plaques that probably will be embedded in the sidewalk, Sims said.

“It’s part of our history that needs to be celebrated,” he said.

Sims holds the sole at-large seat on the council.

“If you’re a registered voter, you have a vote for the at-large, as well as your own district,” Sims said.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820