I had it in mind to write a positive column this week, one that tells a story of a city that is often touted as “One Augusta” or “The Garden City.”
Even though my ghostwriter (wink, wink) would like for me to pound out prose that sounds positive, it just wouldn’t be truthful.
The city is far from the Garden City it once was. Also, far from being One Augusta as it is clearly divided now more than ever; not by our citizens, but more so by our elected officials and the power brokers behind some of them.
But to say just one thing, item or situation that is positive in Augusta? How about a bus-load of caring elected officials taking a bus tour of blighted, overgrown, falling down, neglected and ill repaired slumlord properties? No that can’t be it.
They often let us know how very intelligent they are, surely they know all about this issue and how to properly handle it, but a bus ride! That’s fun! That’s positive! We care!
Bullhonky.
The proper way and legal way to select a highly qualified city administrator? No, that can’t be it.
The mayor being transparent and performing the procedure according to state law wasn’t what the majority of the sitting commissioners wanted. The Gang of Five wanted their personally selected candidate on that list of three, but she wasn’t on it. So, now they will be grandstanding and shuffling their feet like Bo Diddley; stalling, stalling, stalling until they get their candidate on that magic list of three.
Could it be the way the commissioners listen to the city taxpayers when they come to chambers or any public meeting to voice their objections to a particular issue that is being rammed down their throats? No, that can’t be it.
This collective majority of sitting commissioners have shown on numerous occasions that they couldn’t care less what the taxpayers think.
To say something positive. Well, I would have to say that it’s the fact that Garnett Johnson has been mayor for a year now and the city does seem to be under the leadership of someone that walks the walk, that they talk with a spine and not just a tongue.
To say that Mayor Johnson has had the full support of the commission would be a falsehood. The mayor has been blocked at every turn he has attempted to make by the Gang of Five. Still, he maintains steadfastness in the goal to right our city and be transparent. Maybe with the upcoming elections of eligible commission seats, he may get the help not only he needs, but also the taxpayers of Augusta.
Not only will commission candidates be on the ballot, but there will also be another important item, a VOTE for the mayor.
It is important that Augusta’s mayor has a full vote. The mayor must use that vote and vote on every item or issue, not just the ones that the mayor wants to vote on.
Once Augusta’s mayor has a vote, the next step should be to review the city charter and make changes that will make Augusta operate more efficiently.
Several candidates have announced their intentions to make a run for seats. Some have even filed intentions to raise funds with which to use for their campaigns. Some have just stated they will be running for a seat; however, only time will tell if they are truly serious and officially file to run for a seat when the time to file is upon them.
Already some of the seated commissioner’s blind fateful still continue to drink the Jim Jones poison brew in their personal favorite flavor, and it does not matter to them how disruptive and shady dealing their particular favorite commissioner is behind the scenes.
It is quite humorous to read the replies and comments of the dissenters of truth. Whenever a statement is written in The Augusta Press about them, no matter who writes the statement, then the writer, as well as TAP, becomes the Devil’s disciples just spreading lies and misinformation.
The seats that are on the ballot will be districts, 1,3,5,7 and 9. All will have at least two candidates vying for the seat.
It’s looking like District 1 Commissioner Jordan Johnson will have at least one opponent. Although another has told me they are planning on running and, supposedly, they will announce it in February. If both of them do run, they will be strong contenders.
District 3 is represented by Commissioner Catherine McKnight. Although she has done a wonderful job in representing her constituents, the power brokers don’t think she has benefited them. Therefore, she will have an opponent; but that person has yet to crawl out of the shadows and announce.
District 5 is currently held by Commissioner Bobby Williams. He will be opposed by Don Clark. I know Mr. Clark personally and he is a more than capable person to fill that seat. A decorated veteran, an active advocate for veteran affairs and the planned state veterans cemetery.
Don Clark is service driven.
The district seven seat is currently held by Sean Frantom. He is termed out so is unable to run again.
District seven’s seat will have Tina Slendak as a candidate. She is very knowledgeable of the issues and affairs pertaining to Augusta. She will be retired by the time she takes the seat. Therefore, she will have the time to dedicate to the people. So far another opponent hasn’t made any noise, but they likely will.
District 9 held by Commissioner Francine Scott will have two opponents.
Lucas Johnson has declared and filed to raise funds for his campaign. He is a young man with a family and has business experience. He brings much needed new ideas.
Next, open the curtains to our champion Marion Williams. Four terms on the commission is just not enough for him. He is a man that wants it done right.
You never have to guess where Marion is coming from. Although sometimes you have to guess what he may be thinking, what with his witticisms that sometimes backfire.
Marion Williams makes the claim, “I don’t do Black politics. I don’t do White politics, I do right politics.” Having served alongside him in the commission and also knowing him, I would have to say that his claim is more truth than fiction.
Francine Scott will have her hands full being challenged by a seasoned Augusta statesman.
Just a note on outgoing Commissioner Sean Frantom. I live in District 7 and he has been my commissioner for many years even before I served with him. We didn’t always agree, but that’s just politics. I hope that Sean will choose to run for a state seat. He is the type of person that is needed to represent Augusta in Atlanta.
I predict that this last year that Sean serves as a commissioner will be his finest.
See? I could find some positives…or maybe my ghostwriters did…
Folks, as always, you just can’t make this stuff up.
