Statement by Glennie Cox Bench regarding her plans to run for at-large City Council seat

Glennie Cox Bench, Vice-President of Finance and Administration for Southwest Georgia Oil Co., Inc., announced today she will run for the Post 1, At-Large City Council seat after Councilman Edward Reynolds declared his candidacy for mayor rather than seeking re-election to the council post.

A graduate of Valdosta State University with a BBA in Accounting, Bench is also a certified public accountant. She has been active in a wide variety of community organizations, including serving on the board of the Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce, Memorial Hospital Authority, Memorial Hospital Foundation Board, Leadership Georgia participant, Samaritan Counseling Center, and past President of the YMCA and Bainbridge Rotary Club. She also served for five years as a member of the Georgia Ports Authority, having been appointed by Governor Roy Barnes. Glennie and her husband Steve have one teenage son, Steven, and are members of the First United Methodist Church.

As a Council member, Bench hopes to help guide Bainbridge toward an even stronger future for all its residents. Having lived most of her life in Bainbridge, Glennie said, “Since childhood, my sisters and I have been taught the value and importance of community involvement and public service by our parents, so I hope I can contribute to the community I love by serving on the City Council. Strong, informed leadership will continue to be vital as Bainbridge moves into the next decade and I think my business and financial background will be an asset that I can use to the benefit of the city. I also recognize the special role that an At-Large representative serves and I am prepared to work with and represent the interests of all our citizens in all parts of the city.”

Statement by Mayor Mark Harrell on his intentions not to qualify for re-election

I would like to announce tonight that I have decided that I will not qualify as a candidate for re-election to the office of mayor. There are not adequate words to express my appreciation to the citizens of Bainbridge who have allowed me to serve them first as a member of the city council for twelve years and for the last four years as Mayor. I leave office with nothing but optimism for the future of our city. I have never worked with a finer or more capable group of people than those I currently serve with on the city council. The city’s staff, under the leadership of Chris Hobby and our outstanding division and department heads, is doing an outstanding job guiding us through some difficult times. While we have some tight times ahead, I have every reason to believe that because of the efforts of these public servants Bainbridge is positioned better than most to endure and emerge stronger than ever. As I leave public service, I am proud of what we have accomplished together. Bainbridge will always be a part of who I am and will never be far from my heart. It is now my intention to devote myself more fully to my family. Without them I would never have been able to serve and to my wife Lauren and my children Tanner, Katie and Ella I say thank-you for your support, encouragement and love.

Statement by Edward Reynolds regarding his plans to run for Mayor

Edward Reynolds, lifelong Bainbridge resident and current at-large City Council member, announced today he will  run for Mayor of Bainbridge after Mayor Mark Harrell decided not to seek re-election.  Reynolds has represented the only city-wide seat on the city council for the past 4 years. A graduate of Auburn University School of Pharmacy, he is the owner of Bainbridge Pharmacy.  His civic involvements have included Chairman of the Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce, Bainbridge Decatur-County Development Authority, Memorial Hospital Foundation Board, Bainbridge Rotary Club, Decatur County Leadership Class, Leadership Georgia participant and former trustee, Co-founder of the Decatur County Youth Leadership program, Chairman of the Bainbridge Tree Committee, First United Methodist Church.  Edward and his wife, Tonya, have 3 school-age children:  Griffin, Hudson, and Mary Mercer. Reynolds looks forward to the opportun ity to lead a strong city like Bainbridge into an even stronger future.  “Bainbridge has been blessed with good leadership in the past and I look forward to continuing that tradition as the City of Bainbridge moves into the future. We’re at an important crossroads where leaders who can bring all voices together to maximize the potential of this city are needed more than ever. I can be that voice for the people of Bainbridge,” said Reynolds.