After winning the Eatonton Ward 3 election last November, and now with several meetings under his belt in the new year, rookie Eatonton City Council member Rev. Fred Lowe said the job has so far matched expectations.
Lowe, a lifelong pastor who has lived in Eatonton for 11 years, said he approached his new political role with careful preparation and the understanding that local governance requires patience.
“Just because we don’t always agree on everything doesn’t mean that we don’t like each other,” he added of his fellow council members. “I want to be that transparent person you can always talk to so we can work things out.”
And though still learning the inner workings of city government, Lowe said he hopes residents will also consider him a representative who’s willing to listen and remain transparent.
“I generally do my homework. I pay attention to things and people. What has happened thus far has not been out of my expectations,” Lowe said last week at Eatonton’s Zion Covenant Church, where he preaches each Sunday.
“This is a learning opportunity for me, and I want to know how to work toward things that will be a total benefit to our entire city,” he added.
Now settling into the position, Lowe said he believes Eatonton has plenty of opportunities to explore, ranging from small practical improvements to larger questions about youth needs, tourism, economic development, and attracting more businesses.
Among the ideas he hopes to discuss soon with council colleagues is improving sidewalk mobility for Eatonton Police Department officers, especially during large public events such as the annual Dairy Festival or downtown concerts.
“One of the things that I do not like is that our officers who are patrolling the area have to constantly walk up and down those streets, especially in the summer,” Lowe said. “They’re sweating; they’re hot; they’re trying to stay hydrated.”
He suggested the city consider purchasing stand-up electric scooters for the police department, similar to those used by officers at airports or on the streets of larger cities, to help them respond more quickly during crowded events.
“If something happens on the opposing side of where they are, they have to respond,” he pointed out. “But you also put your officer at risk of overheating or just being tired out trying to get there.”
Lowe said the larger issues facing the city involve opportunities for young people and the community's long-term economic future.
“I’ve looked into the fact that our youth do not have things to do within this city,” he said. “An opportunity has not been made, in my opinion, readily available as far as some type of functioning asset that youth could go to.”
Programs similar to a Boys and Girls Club or expanded community recreation, he suggested, could give students a structured place to spend time outside school hours. Lowe also believes the city could make better use of existing assets.
“I think Jimmy Davis Park is underutilized,” he stated. “That building could very well be used for some after-school opportunities, some weekend opportunities, and in everyday use for all citizens.”
Beyond recreation, Lowe sees partnerships with educational institutions as a way to connect residents with future jobs. He pointed to Central Georgia Technical College, just north of downtown, as a potential partner for workforce training if new employers move into the area.
“If a company comes that needs forklift drivers, why not partner with Central Georgia Tech and get our citizens trained even before the hiring process begins?” he said. “They could be OSHA certified when it’s over, and it becomes a partnership that benefits everybody.”
Lowe also believes the city should pursue more retail, dining, and entertainment options to keep local dollars circulating within its limits. While he appreciates existing businesses and recent additions such as Whataburger and Tractor Supply, Lowe said attracting even more businesses could bring both visitors and economic activity.
Downtown Eatonton, he added, could also benefit from attractions that encourage travelers along U.S. Hwy. 441 to stop and explore.
“Right now, our dollars go outside of the city and our county for these things,” he said. “We want the opportunity to keep our dollars circulating in Eatonton and Putnam County. We need to get people to turn off 441 and come through our city. If you can get them to stop, then they get a chance to explore.”
Ultimately, Lowe said he believes Eatonton already has a strong foundation, but he feels thoughtful planning and cooperation could unlock even more opportunities.
“Our city has a lot of potential that we’re missing,” Lowe said. “From 11 years ago to now, I feel like I’ve seen things that can be better, and we need to work toward those things that can be better and safer for all of us who call this place ‘home.’”