Way, way back in 1960, Joe Jones and Reginald Hall co-wrote a little ditty of a song titled, “You Talk Too Much.” It was performed by Joe Jones.
The song is actually about a couple in a relationship where one just talks and talks and talks, and as I sat and listened to Commissioner Tony Lewis this past Tuesday, this song popped into my head. The first few lyrics of the song are:
“You talk too much,
You worry me to death,
You talk too much,
You even worry my pet,
You just talk,
Talk too much.”
Mayor’s credit card
This is exactly what Lewis did to himself. In his quest to make sure the mayor would not receive all that he was asking for, the commissioner just would not shut up. He actually talked himself into doing exactly what Commissioners Sean Frantom and Brandon Garrett wanted done.
All the while he babbled, Lewis was thinking he was getting over like a rat in a cheese factory.
It was voted to approve reimbursing Mayor Garnett Johnson for expenditures on his personal credit cards and to put in place for the time being the usage of the $500 a day P-Card and the $5,000 credit card monthly limit.
The caveat that was also placed in the motion was that a new credit card policy with a higher limit be put together by the Procurement Department, Finance Department and Interim Administrator Takiyah Douse and brought back to the commission for approval on Sept. 24.
Showing the instilled integrity that Mayor Johnson has demonstrated many times, he abstained from voting on the motion and stated that because it was pertaining to him and his needs, he would not exercise his right to vote on the matter.
Also showing great personal integrity and dedication to her duties as commissioner of District 3 and her constituents, Catherine McKnight phoned into the meeting, since she was out of town, to vote on the issues.
Mayor pro tem
Maybe after the newly elected commissioners are sworn into service, they will elect a mayor pro tem who will be there and have the best interest of the people in their heart and mind.
Commissioner McKnight has shown that she is deserving and more than capable to hold the position.
Now, to tell the complete story, others will, of course, have their hat in the ring, such as Jordon Johnson, Francine Scott, Alvin Mason and most likely Wayne Guilfoyle.
Commissioner Brandon Garrett is currently the mayor pro tem.
Having served along with Garrett, I do know he is dedicated to doing the right thing, or as near to it as he is allowed to get. We truly don’t know how really good at the position he could be because of Mayor Johnson.
Our current mayor never misses a commission meeting.
The last mayor pro tem was Commissioner Bobby Williams. He actually thought he was mayor by default because Mayor Hardie Davis Jr. was always out of town wheeling and dealing, mostly on his own behalf and not that of the city.
It has been four weeks since Commissioner Bobby Williams attended a meeting. Even though I disagree with Williams when it comes to politics, I am disappointed that he has not held up his end of the bargain; that is, to continue to represent the good people of district five until his term expires this Dec. 31.
I bet that Commissioner Williams is still receiving a pay check as well as an auto expense check. I can also just bet that Commissioner Alvin Mason is doing the same while he has been out all of these weeks on medical leave. Maybe this issue can be addressed when a new city charter is written, If and when that ever happens.
If Williams is not going to bother to show up, maybe he should resign his position. Then the newly elected Don Clark can serve the remainder of the Williams term. Just a thought.
Oath of office
I can recall when I, as a commissioner, had on the agenda for the commissioner’s oath of office to be read aloud for all to hear and be reminded of why we were there. To represent the good of the many and city and not of the chosen few. Needless to say, Mayor Hardie Davis objected and it was not read.
This past week’s meeting had a first to occur: a couple came before the commission to share an idea, what has been done to facilitate the event to take place and the dates of said event. And they DID NOT ask the commission for money.
However, and there is always a however, Commissioner Frantom instructed them to get in touch with Augusta and Company for some monetary assistance as that group has the funds provided for such endeavors.
Details of the event are that owners of Bike Bike Baby, Christina and Alvin Watson, are wanting to bring Mardi Gras to Augusta. Most have seen some of the Mardi Gras from New Orleans on television or in the movies. Some have even gone to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. I am one of those people who have been there during the event because of the company I worked for at the time.
The event will be Feb. 28 thru March 2. There will be a masquerade ball at the Julian Smith Casino and a parade down Broad Street using the Christmas parade route and party on the Commons.
More information will be coming soon.
Have you all noticed how something will become a hot topic in Augusta for about two and a half days and then it will all just fade away like a memory or an old photograph? Sad really because the answers are always the same: “We have no money and no people to do the job, we will get back to you,” and, of course, next comes the good ole motion: “Take as information.”
Folks, as always, you just can’t make this stuff up.
