As many of you know, December 15th marked my final meeting as a member of the Eatonton City Council. I leave this role with a grateful heart, a deep sense of peace, and sincere gratitude.
Serving alongside Mayor Reid and my fellow Councilmembers has been one of the great honors of my public life. Together, we have been a committed and determined team — one that, through discussion, debate, and collaboration, has always worked to move Eatonton forward. I have never doubted that each person seated at that table truly wants what is best for our city.
During my time in office, I learned, I grew, and I gained an even deeper appreciation for the responsibility of public service. I am thankful for the conversations we shared, the decisions we made, and the opportunities we had to work together to improve our hometown. I also deeply valued the moments in between — the laughter, learning, and the shared hopes for Eatonton’s future.
As I step away from this seat, my commitment to Eatonton does not end. I will continue to support the work, the vision, and the growth of this city I love. Strong, steady, and thoughtful leadership matters, and I wish the Mayor and Council continued wisdom and success as they carry out that responsibility.
To the citizens of Eatonton — my neighbors, constituents, and community — I want to speak directly to you: Over the last four years, a narrative has been repeated suggesting that Eatonton is stagnant, that nothing has changed over the past decade, that leadership does not care about its people, or that those over a certain age should no longer serve. With all due respect, that narrative does not reflect the truth of who we are as a community.
Eatonton has grown and progressed in meaningful ways. Infrastructure improvements, downtown revitalization, expanded youth programs, strengthened partnerships, and continued community investment do not occur in a stagnant city. Eatonton is not perfect, no town is, but it is a city that cares deeply about its people and works daily to serve them.
Experience is not a liability; it is an asset. Wisdom is not an obstacle; it is a resource. Eatonton has benefited from leadership across generations, and progress has always come from collaboration, respect, and shared responsibility.
To those I had the privilege to serve over the years, I want you to know that I worked hard to honor the trust you placed in me.
When you asked for youth leadership programs, I delivered. When you asked for free concerts and community events, I delivered. When your streets needed attention, I organized community clean-up days. I delivered. When you asked for housing development, the Eatonton GICH Team was established. I delivered.
When Black history needed recognition, I created programs honoring individuals who beat the odds. I delivered. Over the years, during Women In History, I honored local women for their work in this community — using my own resources — I delivered. When families needed support, resources, or advocacy, I showed up. When conversations needed to happen and calls needed to be made, I delivered.
Throughout my service and in every campaign, I was intentional about making only responsible and lawful commitments. I did not promise outcomes beyond the authority of the office, nor did I suggest actions that would conflict with legal or ethical standards. The commitment I consistently made was to serve with fairness, integrity, and respect, ensuring that every individual was treated equally and that decisions were made in the best interests of the entire community. That commitment guided my actions, and it is one I honored throughout my service.
Everything you asked me to do, I delivered.
I leave this chapter grateful, proud of the work accomplished, and committed to continuing to serve Eatonton in meaningful ways. Thank you for the trust you placed in me and for allowing me the opportunity to serve.
With gratitude, First Lady, Janie B. Reid