Augusta Commissioner Alvin Mason announced his resignation Tuesday, delivering the unexpected news from behind the dais.
He made the announcement toward the end of a lengthy speech that began with his comments in support of keeping the name of James Brown on the new arena being built. Coliseum officials have called it “The New Augusta Arena” amid discussion of selling naming rights.
Mason spoke out in favor of keeping the name two weeks ago. The commission voted unanimously to draft a letter of solidarity in support of the name. Interim General Counsel Jim Plunkett presented the letter Tuesday.
Since he spoke out, Mason said he’d been contacted by national news agencies and appeared on a local broadcast.
“My goal and my hope was to not bring a black eye to and national attention to Augusta, Ga.,” he said.
During his remarks, Mason spoke about receiving a message over the weekend that led him to step down. He said he went to bed Friday and did not wake up until Sunday.
God spoke to him and said, “rest,” so he rested more, he said. Then Monday, “The rest of it came in: Resign today. Your job has been done. Your mission has been accomplished.”
Mason was out on medical leave for several months last year after having major spine surgery. He said Tuesday he didn’t feel well. “I don’t feel as good as I look,” he said.
His resignation leaves a vacancy among the 10 commissioners and mayor. Mason has about a year and a half left on his third complete term representing District 4.
