I’d like to begin this week’s column with a huge thank you to Commissioner Sean Frantom.
As most of you who travel Washington Road, as well as downtown and the Laney Walker corridors, know, they were in complete chaos this past week. CSX railroad decided to close nearly all of the road and street crossings at the same time for railway repairs. This left most commuters having to go around their elbow to get to their. . . well, anyway.
Thank you Commissioner Frantom for your constant updates. They were certainly appreciated by the entire city population as well as our visitors.
NO, citizens of Augusta, the city government has no control or jurisdiction over the railroads. Therefore the city cannot fire them, fine them or hold them in any way liable.
Also to Commissioner Catherine McKnight a salute for her courage to stand alone with her lone NO vote for the approval of the Weed School sale. It did not go unnoticed, and sometimes being alone on the island can be a joyous thing.
This past week was the same old scenario of manipulation and control by the Gang of Five led by their “Monarch of Mayhem,” Commissioner Bobby Williams. The fix was in when it came to the hiring of a city administrator, and we all knew that because we all had seen copies of the script.
First up was Augusta’s IT director, Tameka Allen. She is by far the favorite of most people as well as many department directors that asked not to be named. We can understand why that would be the case: retaliation abounds in this Augusta government.
A roll call vote was called for, and therefore each commissioner’s name was called in alphabetical order for their vote. With a roll call vote, Williams is the last to vote. When the vote got to him it was a five YES and four NO. Therefore Williams abstained, causing the vote to fail.
There was no way they were going to allow the mayor to break the tie with a yes vote.
Next to be voted on was Richard Chess. He did not get the votes required; therefore, no abstention was needed.
There was a vote to reconsider Allen, and the same votes were recorded. No hire, despite the fact that there were many, many people present in chambers with full support for Ms. Allen.
This led to the Gang of Five getting to have Interim Administrator Douse to be next to be considered. She will be up for a vote next week. Let’s take a look at the possible scenario of that vote:
Takiyah Douse will be nominated and a second will follow. Just as quickly a roll call vote will be called for and gotten. Again, placing Bobby Williams last to vote. If none of the Yes votes turn to Douse, the vote will be five No and four Yes when it gets to Williams. If Williams vote Yes, the mayor breaks the tie.
If he holds true to his word, his vote will and should be NO. Therefore, when the vote gets to Williams, he will abstain, again motion fails. Then they reconsider with the outcome most likely being the same if everyone holds to their previous stance.
The big question is, “Who will give in?” Either way Douse remains in the seat for the present time. Does the search start over? Will they reconsider Allen?
Why is it that the Gang of Five just don’t want Allen? Could it be that they won’t be able to control or threaten her? Is it because she is a person of personal substance and she knows who she is?
Is it because she knows how to work well with others and knows how to build teams? Could it be that she just scares the hell out of them because she is much more intelligent than the Gang of Five put together? Is it because they know they will no longer be calling the administration shots?
My guess would be all of the aforementioned.
Land Bank Director Shawn Edwards did not appear before the commission to answer any questions as to the operation of the Land Bank. Instead the Tax Commissioner Chris Johnson appeared.
Backroom gossip says Edwards has lawyered up, and since Congressman Rick Allen has become involved it’s somewhat out of the commissioners’ hands.
Nevertheless, Johnson, in a roundabout way, stated they were not under the direction of the commission and pretty much did their own thing.
The Land Bank has so much authority to involve themselves in a deal that the Downtown Development Authority was already deeply involved in.
The excuse was that they didn’t know the DDA was already involved. So, Edwards and Johnson went down to Tampa and took a look to see if the deal was a good fit for the Land Bank. Guess the other party in Tampa the pair met with also failed to mention the DDA.
Johnson also stated that the Land Bank did their own audits and handled their own money issues and that seems to be an issue in itself. Commissioner Frantom was trying to uncover several aspects that raised questions regarding the operation of the Land Bank, but it was obvious Johnson was channeling Sgt. Schultz from the television series Hogan’s Heroes: “I see nothing, I hear nothing.”
Now when it came to the issues with the Boathouse, there were more sides to the story than that of an octagon. Central Services Interim Director Ron Lampkin, when pressed, seemed not to be able to follow his own explanations as to why it would still be cheaper to tear the Boathouse down instead of remodel.
Evidently the same company they consulted gave two differing viewpoints. When Commissioner Garrett pressed for answers, Lampkin clearly became agitated and defensive. That’s when Commissioner Jordon Johnson stepped in to let Mr. Lampkin know it was OK. Just get past what Garrett was saying. Boathouse still unresolved.
This past week Don Clark officially kicked off his campaign for commissioner of District Five. The kickoff was held at the Julian Smith Casino. The parking lot was packed and so was the inside.
The diverse crowd consisted of many notables who are heavily involved with Augusta politics and want to see change. Bobby Williams has strong competition so it would seem.
I have been told that a candidate for District Three commission seat will emerge soon. Her name is Carol Yancy, and I will have more information on her as it develops.
Also, there will be an announcement forthcoming for the seat for District One commissioner. If they do indeed run, Jordan Johnson will have strong opposition.
It’s gearing up to be a silly season. Vet the candidates. Vote smart. Ask yourself if you have been served well by your current elected official? If you believe you have, then by all means vote for that person.
But be honest with yourself. Don’t vote purely because of race, gender, creed or gender identity because that’s what you have done. How has that worked out for you? How about voting for the best qualified.
Folks, as always, you just can’t make this stuff up.
