A Visit with Mac Watts

This article was written by Jeanie Barnett for the March issue of Crystal Place Connections. Posted on CentralSpeaks.com with her permission. 

Mayor Mac Watts graciously took the time from his busy schedule to talk with me about his accomplishments in office as mayor and his vision for the future of Central. 
    The thing Mayor Watts is proudest of is the city finances.  The budget for the City of Central has been balanced since its incorporation.  Indeed it is projected that there will be nearly a $1 million surplus this year, despite the extra financial challenges in the aftermath of hurricanes, snows and a particularly devastating storm.
     He is also proud of the public/private partnership with CH2MHill. After investigation and deliberation and a national bid (request for proposal), they were chosen and now the city services are better than before the incorporation because of faster response, better quality of work and lower ultimate cost to the residents.
    Not only does the Mayor’s office get a daily job schedule from the DPW department so that he and executive assistant David Barrow can check on jobs, Billy Thompson is contracted by the city to follow up on these projects, creating a system of quality control and accountability.
     In keeping with the master plan, Mayor Watts envisions a City of Central free from urban sprawl, with a well defined town center including green spaces, perhaps a park in the center, and shopping to help keep our tax money here.  He is in favor of leaving vast green spaces, maintaining the country flavor we all now enjoy.  The plan includes opportunities for affordable (not to be confused with low income) housing.
     A self-professed “people person,” Watts enjoys mutually beneficial and amicable working relationships with the mayors of surrounding cities. Many projects have come about through his friendly cooperation with Senator Dale Erdey and Representatives Cliff Richardson and Bodi White.  Though they don’t agree on every issue, he has a good relationship with EBR president Kip Holden and together they have worked for the benefit of Central.
     “I am about Central!” he states.  “I eat, sleep and breathe Central.  This is not a job.  I’m working so that my kids and grandkids can enjoy Central just like I’m enjoying it.”