Two incumbents and one newcomer are in the mix for two available appointments to the Columbus Planning Commission.
Sitting members Chuck Bigelow and MacArthur Inge’s terms expire Oct. 4. Both have applied for reappointment, and Columbus business owner Eric Thomas has also applied, according to City Hall records.
The terms are for three years, and appointments will be made Oct. 4. The deadline to apply was Wednesday.
The Planning Commission is involved in rezoning decisions and subdivision and site plan review for the city of Columbus.
Bigelow has been on the Planning Commission for six years.
“It’s just my way of giving back to the city and being involved,” Bigelow said. “I want to offer my experience and knowledge in building and development.”
Bigelow was involved in two major area developments: the Columbus Marina and Stark Aerospace, which is located on Charleigh Ford Drive in western Lowndes County.
“I enjoy (the Planning Commission),” Bigelow said. “It helps me keep up with what’s going on in Columbus. If people talk to me about what’s going on, I can tell them what’s actually going on and push back about some of the misinformation that goes around.”
Inge has been on the Planning Commission for nine years.
“I like service, that’s the main thing,” Inge said.
Inge worked for AT&T as a repairman for 42 years, retiring in 2016.
“I feel like since I retired, this is one of the things that I can do to give back to the community,” Inge said. “One of the reasons I picked the Planning Commission was that when I was out at work I would see the things that they would be doing.”
Thomas is the owner of Factory Direct Furniture on Gardner Boulevard.
“I really want to see Columbus do better as far as redeveloping, planning, just full circle,” he said. “Any boards that I can get on or anything I can do to help the city become a better Columbus, that’s what I’m going to do.”
Thomas said he is heavily involved in the community.
“I serve on the Prairie Opportunity board,” he said. “I served for four years on the E911 board. For about 25 years I’ve coached softball for Columbus recreation.”
Earlier this month, Thomas applied for an opening on the Columbus Redevelopment Authority, where he was one of five contenders. That appointment eventually went to Jason Spears. He has also unsuccessfully run for city council and sought appointment to the Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees.
Brian Jones is the local government reporter for Columbus and Lowndes County.
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