Councilmember Phyllis Bynum-Grace seeks one more term on Perry City Council

PERRY – Phyllis Bynum-Grace has served on the Perry City Council for over 26 years. Now, she wants to represent District One for one more term.

Bynum-Grace was first elected to the city council back in 1998. She said she has had the privilege of serving her community through various roles and initiatives as a public servant. 

Bynum-Grace shared that she has worked in unity with Mayor and council, and has demonstrated both achievements and transformation. 

“I have tirelessly advocated for the equality and opportunity for all of Perry’s citizens by sustaining economic development and growth while maintaining its small town connections,” she said. 

Throughout her service, Bynum-Grace has held significant leadership roles, including multiple terms as Mayor Pro Tempore in 2002, 2008 and 2015. She shared that her contributions to municipal development and community engagement were recognized when she was inducted into the Georgia Municipal Association Hall of Fame in 2016. 

Bynum-Grace has overseen various city projects, including the Creekwood Splashpad and Legacy Park. She shared that these projects have enhanced recreational facilities for residents. 

She also spearheaded the Black History Month initiative “Honoring the Past. Inspiring the Future.” This featured banners celebrating influential African Americans from the city. 

Bynum Grace shared a few development activities in District One, naming restaurants and businesses that have opened in the Sam Nunn Boulevard Corridor. 

She also mentioned growth in the downtown area, mentioning the Veterans’ Administration Clinic on Main Street and the recent updates on Commerce Street and Macon Road to reduce traffic congestion. 

In the Oldfield area, she oversaw projects to expand and upgrade Oldfield and A.D Redmond Parks, and provide housing rehabilitation grant funding. She also approved initiatives in the General Courtney Hodges Boulevard Corridor, including the reconstruction of the bridge at Big Indian Creek and a pickleball court at Creekwood Park. She approved a cottage-style development, expecting to bring 34 houses to General Courtney Hodges Boulevard. 

Bynum-Grace believes she has delivered meaningful progress in her community. She said she has proven to be both accountable and transparent. 

“[I am] a leader [citizens] can trust to keep all of Perry moving forward,” she said. 

Before serving on the city council, Bynum-Grace was a school nurse with the Houston County Board of Education for 25 years. She said this reflects her commitment to community health and education. She continues to actively participate in professional organizations such as the School Nursing Association and contributes to community welfare through her involvement with various organizations, including Kids’ Journey, Safe Kids of Houston County and Camp Can Do, which supports children with disabilities. 

If reelected, her main priorities would be to deliver real results to the city, keep constituents informed through transparent governance, and advocate for fairness through accountable leadership. 

Bynum-Grace also addressed infrastructure and utility rates. She said infrastructure expenses are not funded by taxpayers but by new development and system customers, she explained. She mentioned they invest money into the community and donate infrastructure to the city. 

She then explained utility rates, saying they support essential services such as water, stormwater, streets and sanitary sewer systems. Bynum-Grace said this maintains the safety and health of the community. She encourages residents to obtain a copy of the “City Services Bill Explained” to better understand the breakdown of their bill. Bynum-Grace also spoke on the millage rate, saying it has been rolled back for the last three years and clarifying there has not been a tax increase during that period. 

Bynum-Grace then spoke about crime in the city, mentioning a family violence-related homicide that occurred in the city earlier this year. She said in response, local agencies have launched a community awareness initiative encouraging victims of domestic violence, or those aware of abuse, to “make the call,” the initiative’s message. 

Another common challenge in the city is entering autos, which she said are often committed by youth. In 2023, the city recorded 91 entering auto cases. However, in 2024, the number declined to 82, according to Bynum-Grace. She shared the Perry Police Department cleared more than 80% of these cases. 

Bynum-Grace said the PPD’s mission is clear: to serve and protect through enforcement, education and partnership with the community. 

“I join them in encouraging all residents if you see something to say something. Know your neighbors, be willing to be a witness and report unusual activity to 911. Together, we can continue to build a safer and stronger Perry,” she said. 

Bynum-Grace shared that her campaign has been busy so far. She describes herself as detail-oriented and hopes to serve one more term on the city council. 

“I would like to convey my sincere desire to continue to be the representative of the City Council of District One,” she said. 

Bynum-Grace is running against candidate Amy Fouse. 

Early voting begins Oct. 14 and spans through Oct. 31. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.