Carter talks Albany with Exchange Club

Good Life City Manager recently addressed Albany's Exchange Club

ALBANY, GA – The Exchange of Albany welcomed their guest speaker on Friday, Albany City Manager, Steve Carter. Steve is a U.S. Air Force veteran with more than 30 years of experience in information technology and strategic leadership.  He is a driven, assertive executive devoted to achieving success at every level.  As City Manager, he provides management oversight for all city departments.

Steve thanked us for inviting him and said he wanted to speak on our great city Albany, Georgia. He talked about what he thought is important to the city of Albany and how we all can participate in making the city of Albany a destination that everyone wants to come to.

He said he would like all city employees to protect the brand of the City of Albany. They hear about brand protection from him constantly. Protect the brand is all about making sure that we present and be the best we can be.  Just like all the Exchange symbol on your shirts. That means something when you go out and you have these shirts on. People expect for you to carry yourself a certain way to be a quality, professional and kind individual.

He said he would like to change the narrative facts about crime. How do we make the change? Crime does not care about your political background. We have to pull together as one group and agree to help our political leaders and the law enforcement groups with the problems we are facing.   Our people of the city need to work with organizations to help with the homeless, housing, youth, poverty and people that believe crime pays, to change their mindset. Your city government can’t solve these problems with a political resolution. We absolutely, positively need assistance of the people in the community that are willing to do whatever is necessary to change attitudes and the mind set in the community.

He said we have a river running through our downtown. He would like to see it used more of a destination point for people. People ask why doesn’t the city build something like a Zip Line?  The answer to this question is, the city cannot build everything, such a building here, or grocery store there. We need the private sector to plan and build the building or business; however, we will assist them by being business friendly.  The same way we are getting business to move to downtown. A project the city is working on is the restoration of the Gordon Hotel, the developers are making plans to turn it back into a hotel. Albany is the hub of Southwest Georgia. Albany provides the fuel for the area. If we fail, so does Southwest Georgia.

The community can get an understanding of the process of the internal working of the city. So, when there’s misinformation, I have some advocates in our community that will help us communicate the correct information to the citizens. It’s an opportunity for everybody to get to know our government’s inner workings.

The City has a six-weeks course that is held every Monday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Except Mondays that are holidays. The classes move around each department with a presentation on how they contribute to the success of the city.     

He encouraged everyone to participate in Albany City Government 101, so that they feel comfortable working with us at the end of the day.  He encouraged everyone to participate in helping us make our city better.  Do not just talk about the city, become involved and become a leader for solutions.

He said he cherished the opportunity to speak to groups like yours and talk about things that I think are important.  

Q&A

Where does the money from the speed cameras go?

It is specifically going to Public Safety, such things as putting up new lights and signage around the school zones for safety. 

Can you use the money to hire new police officers and raise their salary? 

No, it does not go into the city coffers, or officers’ salary increase. The city is working on salary increases and accepting applications to become a police officer; However, we cannot use any of the civil fine monies from the cameras for salary.  It is extremely difficult to hire police officers with our country’s environment.

How does the speed zone camera work?

   When lights are flashing in the school zone you must slow down to the posted speed limit or the camera will take your picture and you will receive a ticket. When the school zone lights are not flashing, the camera is looking for speed MPH over the regular speed limit. It snaps your picture and your ticket will arrive in the mail. 

What are the plans to improve recreation, such as softball, baseball and football?

We are in the process of bringing our recreation department up to speed. For the last several years, we have not put forth the money to support the recreation department. Plans are in place to improve the department. We have budgeted 18 million dollars for recreation this year.  

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