Barnhill-Turnley’s brief tenure on the Augusta Commission has ended. But don’t blame the mayor, she said Thursday.
Taking a point of personal privilege at her final meeting, a budget workshop, Barnhill-Turnley thanked supporters and said Augusta hasn’t seen the last of her, despite her loss at the polls Tuesday.
“It has been an honor to serve the constituents and residents of District 4 over these past — believe it or not — 107 days,” she said. “While the results are not what we had hoped for, I am deeply grateful for everyone who supported me.”
Barnhill-Turnley, former Commissioner Alvin Mason’s former campaign manager, was appointed to the commission in July after Mason resigned, but lost Tuesday’s special election for the seat. Retired Army command sergeant major Lonnie Wimberly was the victor with 61.75% of votes, ending Barnhill-Turnley’s appointment.
Barnhill-Turnley had support from several close allies of Mayor Garnett Johnson, although he didn’t actively promote her. Commissioner Don Clark, Sheriff Gino Brantley, schools trustee Venus Cain, members of Augusta’s Charter Review Committee and several others appeared in Facebook videos for her. The videos were taken down after the election.
Johnson, who is up for reelection in May, offered his support, she said, but her loss shouldn’t reflect on him. “He was not involved in my campaign.” The “word on the street” is wrong, she said.
“Let me be clear. This race was not a referendum on the mayor. It was a referendum on me. At the end of the day I am a salesperson. I made the pitch and I just didn’t close the deal,” Barnhill-Turnley said at the workshop.
The election sends a few other dominoes falling. Barnhill-Turnley’s appointee on the Charter Review Committee, Robert France, will be replaced with Wimberly’s pick. And Commissioner Francine Scott, who appointed Wimberly to the committee, will have to appoint someone to replace him.
Barnhill-Turnley said she’ll remain active in the community. “My dedication and commitment to the people of District 4 will remain unwavering,” she said. “This is not goodbye. This is the start of a new chapter of service’.”
She, Wimberly and others could have a rematch soon. In May, the even-numbered commission seats are all up for election to terms that start in 2027.
