For citizens of the CSRA, Western North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida who have suffered devastation and loss of property and loved ones, it will take many years to return to normal. That’s if a return is even possible.
We all have personal stories to tell of how Helene broke our hearts, spirits and bank accounts. Helene did not break our will to come together and make a comeback.
Forgive me for not going into personal and private stories of individuals and their families or business. These will be told and revealed as time and healing goes by. For now I will concentrate on both our local and federal government. Please bear in mind, these are my observations as I saw them and my own opinions. I will endeavor to accentuate the positive for the most part. It is indeed rare that I can do that with Augusta’s government.
Mayor Garnett Johnson was the right person at the right time to lead during this period of much needed serious leadership. Mayor Johnson has had to wear many different hats during this time. He should be applauded for the job he has done and will continue to do.
Mayor Johnson has kept the citizens up to date and well informed with each step that the city has taken. He will continue to take steps needed to right our city. He has performed his duties as host to Augusta while Georgia’s Governor Brain Kemp made a visit to address our citizens. The mayor also hosted Vice President Kamala Harris as she made a visit to see the devastation left by Helene.
Columbia County Chairman Doug Duncan was a gracious host to Gov. Kemp, as well as to past President Donald Trump. Both were there to tour the devastation and to offer support for the Columbia County citizens.
Administrator Tameka Allen hit the ground running along side Mayor Johnson. Allen exhibited her knowledge and leadership skills that she has developed over the years leading the IT department of Augusta. Let’s all pay close attention as she navigates the funds for the cost of clean up, along with the up coming 2025 budget negotiations. Hopefully Ms. Allen will find a way to encourage the budget cuts needed and to find $5 million dollars for our Richmond County Sheriff’s Office for officer’s pay.
Commissioner Sean Frantom, “Augusta Strong,” was riding Augusta over with Mayor Johnson assessing the damage and needs. Commissioner Frantom was giving updates to citizens anyway he could. If he were quick enough to catch a pigeon and attach a note to its leg, he would have done that also. He informed citizens of locations to go to for food, water and other needed essentials.
Commissioner Catherine McKnight stayed in touch with her District 3 citizens as best she could with no internet and spotty cell phone service. Todd Schafer, owner of restaurant Abel Brown’s, reached out to Commissioner McKnight for help to have a food event at the Sandhill’s Community Center. This was a multi-day event that fed hundreds of people. Thank you to interim Parks and Recreation Director Charles Jackson for making it happen.
Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle bought buckets for water and helped by making deliveries to places he could get to. Wayne never fails to help when called upon.
Commissioner Branden Garrett is a hands-on kind of guy. He was out immediately with his chain saw helping to cut trees out of the roadways so emergency vehicles could get in and out. He helped his neighbors and district citizens where ever he could.
Commissioner Alvin Mason is recuperating from a second medical procedure. But, he was kept abreast and updated of the ever changing data.
Commissioner Jordon Johnson was out and about assisting where ever he could. He kept people updated with social media and cell service when it was available. He became very hands-on where needed.
A combined effort with the fine owner’s of Cafe 209, Glen and Cassandra Brinson, Commissioners Jordon Johnson, Francine Scott, Stacy Pulliam and Tony Lewis hosted an event that provided 500 meals to the people.
Commissioner Tony Lewis also hosted another food event at Gracewood Community Center.
Commissioner Bobby Williams and Monique Braswell held a fish fry at the Henry Brigham Center. The event served 1,375 dinners. Along with food, both Commissioner Williams and Ms. Braswell stated they wanted to do something for the children to help provide some normalcy back into their lives. Therefore, there were bouncy houses, face painting, games and a DJ providing music.
I would be remiss if I did not state the outstanding jobs done by Fire Chief Antonio Burden, Sheriff Richard Roundtree, Marshal Ramone Lamkin and Utilities Director Wes Byne and their dedication to service. Each and everyone of the first responders was at the top of their game. They worked together and kept the situation from being worst.
Special thanks to Infrastructure Systems Management owners Abie Ladson and Steve Cassell for being on board. Mr. Cassell has been the leader in making sure roads got open and crews got to where they were most needed quickly. Abie Ladson is a past Augusta Engineering Director and Steve Cassell is the past Augusta Traffic Engineer. Both will be here to see Augusta recovers.
Make no mistake, you are the true heroes. To watch everything you have worked so hard for your entire life for your family destroyed within 15 minutes. To have the heart to get back up and find a way to survive the moment and start to rebuild again; you are the hero.
Local businesses found ways to feed thousands. Churches opened their doors to all. Private citizens left their personal devastation to go out and help others. Community services provided what they could for the people.
The federal government was very slow to respond to the people’s needs. The very people that pay into our government. The people that elected them to office and people they claim to care so much about. They state that FEMA will be providing a paltry $750 to the people to help with recovery. All the while rejecting most applications.
Meanwhile, the federal government gave billions of dollars away to foreign governments and spends billions to house, feed and provide medical to those who are in our country illegally. As the fight promoter Don King would say, “Only in America.”
As always in any disaster there are those that think of themselves only. They take more than they need, take when they don’t need and take from others. Make no mistake about it, some do evil and unconscionable things.
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn wrote, “But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of their own heart?”
Folks, as always, you just can’t make this stuff up.
