Centerville Mayor’s race: Evans focused on further improving quality of life 

CENTERVILLE — Centerville will hold its mayoral election in June, with two city leaders campaigning for the position. J. Micheal Evans, a 20-year Centerville resident and former Post 3 Councilman, is one of the announced candidates.

Evans, who believes the role is to represent the city, wants to ensure Centerville remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.

“I’ve been talking to so many folks during this campaign that really love Centerville, and they love that they’re able to get out and feel safe and not have to worry about what’s going on around them. So, as mayor, it’s my goal to make sure that Centerville remains safe,” he said.

Evans announced his candidacy for the vacant seat on Feb. 17, after former mayor John Harley retired at the end of 2024. Harley gave Evans his endorsement at the announcement event. 

Since then, Evans said his campaign has been community-focused with daily door-to-door outreach, allowing him to understand Centerville residents’ needs. He noted many residents desire sidewalks along Collins Avenue, a project he aims to achieve if elected mayor.

“It’s exciting being out there and hearing from the citizens. So many of them have been cheering me on. They’ve been receptive to some of the things that I’ve been saying. So, I’m excited about that,” he said.

Evans is focused on public safety through low crime rates, governmental transparency and fair taxation, business development, affordable housing, quality education, and strong partnerships with other cities, the county and Robins Air Force Base. He also looks forward to improvements at the recycling center and Center Park.

“It all really boils down to one thing, and that’s improving the quality of life in Centerville, so that every resident feels valued and has an opportunity to succeed,” he said.

To encourage economic growth, Evans intends to draw businesses that align with Center Park. A possible way to accomplish this is by employing an economic development director, a position that has been vacant since the previous director’s departure in 2024.

“With the room that we have I’d be looking to attract and to recruit developers that would come in to develop that area, to make it a place that would be complimentary to Center Park with something like a coffee shop, donut shop, and those types of shops, so that folks, when they come to the park, would be able to enjoy those amenities also. It all boils down to making it a focus,” he said.

Recruitment would also be a strategy for ensuring affordable housing in Centerville. Recently, the city has awarded a Georgia Initiative for Community Housing point to a proposed senior living complex on Gunn Road. Evans also noted development on the north side of town to alleviate housing demand.

“I’d continue to work with folks who are interested in Centerville and go out to recruit folks who may be interested in in doing something in Centerville, so that we can add housing that’s affordable. We want to make sure that it is in line with the plans that we already have to develop the city,” he said.

In public safety, Evans would like to continue working with the council and the police department to attract quality officers. Neighborhood watch groups, like Eagle Springs and Forest Glen, have made strides to keep their communities safe, and Evans encourages other neighborhoods to follow suit.

“In my neighborhood, I have folks that are home during the daytime and they keep an eye out around the neighborhood. If we could get that organized into a neighborhood watch, that would be better for us, and I would encourage other neighborhoods to do the same,” he said.

Evans is also excited to continue working on 2020 SPLOST projects, such as widening roads on Elberta Road and Wilson Drive. He also mentioned partnering with local schools on various projects.

“Our children are our future. I just think back, it wasn’t too long ago when we were the younger folks, and we were looking toward the future. So I just want to make sure that they are prepared and have the best opportunity to succeed,” he said.

Evans said he is ready to serve the people, will be accessible through office hours and phone calls, and will maintain transparency. Regardless of the election’s outcome, he promised to remain engaged in serving the community.

“If they want a mayor that is accessible, that will make time for them, that will talk to them and that will address their concerns, they should check the box that says, ‘J. Micheal Evans,’” he said.

Evans’ opponent is former Post 2 Councilman Justin Wright.

Polling locations are at the Houston County Board of Elections Office, 2030 Kings Chapel Road, Perry, and the Houston Health Pavilion Conference Center, 233 N. Houston Road, Warner Robins.

Early voting runs May 27 to June 13. Polls are open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Election Day is June 17.