Several Augusta political leaders expressed outrage and blame Wednesday over the forced resignations Tuesday of three female department heads.
Commissioner Jordan Johnson’s speech highlighted a growing rift between the group and Mayor Garnett Johnson, whom he credited with orchestrating the women’s sudden departures.
A few hours later, Augusta was no closer to filling another director position. Scheduled interviews with four candidates had to be postponed after commissioners on both sides of the terminations were absent and prevented a quorum.
Jordan Johnson tied the terminations of Procurement Director Geri Sams and Finance Director Donna Williams to their disapproval of the mayor’s use of his personal credit card then seeking reimbursement for mayor’s office expenses.
Johnson tied Douse’s forced resignation to her reservations about a deal presented by Gold Cross EMS, which was soon replaced by Central EMS under the mayor’s close watch.
“You will see this type of stuff happen again and again because the unchecked power has found its way into our city hall,” he said.
Commissioner Francine Scott said residents in some areas should expect a reduction in service.
“We need to let the community know this is the type of government that’s being run right now,” she said.
“We will not be intimidated, and we will not let it go,” she said.
Commissioner Tony Lewis said two of the women were on The Augusta Press’ editorial “hit list” of city directors.
“They were targeted, and they got removed,” he said.
Douse served as interim administrator for two years and seven months and prepared two billion-dollar budgets, he said.
“How can you justify having her turn in her resignation,” Lewis said. “All three of those ladies, they deserved better from this city.”
Johnson said he left a medical procedure when he heard what was going on.
Questioned by local media, Johnson said the incidents were both a coup and racial politics.
“It’s a much different type of racial politics,” he said. “The powers that be are trying their best to bamboozle the Black community.”
