With this year quickly coming to a close, the silly season will begin around the first of 2024. Candidates for political offices will begin to declare their intentions for setting up to get elected so they can straighten this Augusta debacle out, or so they say.
Some names will be familiar, while others have never been heard of in the political arena. Already, I have heard of several names rumored and from several personally that intend to declare in January. And if some names I am hearing do make it onto a ballot, I will say that my opinion is that some seats on the Augusta Commission are in jeopardy.
Since the Augusta Commission seats elections will be in May, let’s go over the seats on the ballot and what is being rumored:
District One’s Jordan Johnson will have opposition. There are two names being said to enter the race. Also, there is another strong candidate being convinced to run and I hear that person is weighing the option.
District Three Commissioner Catherine McKnight as of yet has no one rumored to oppose her. Since she doesn’t go along to get along and actually puts the people first, the likely prospect of an opponent being placed in the race is improbable.
In District Five, Bobby Williams will have opposition. If the person that is said to enter the race runs, the chance of a new commissioner in that seat is very likely.
District Seven’s Sean Frantom will be term-limited out and is not eligible to run again. He has to be sidelined for four years. The only candidate so far is Tina Slendak. She is an involved citizen that has kept up with all that goes on in Augusta.
District Nine’s Francine Scott is said to have a very well known name possibly opposing her. If indeed he enters the race, there is sure to be interesting debates. Scott just may not be able to keep up.
Names rumored are just that, rumored. Until they declare and pay the fee, they are not on the ballot. That is why I have not mentioned any name except Tina Slendaks. The people that I have talked with personally have asked to remain anonymous. Therefore, I must protect their trust. When they are ready they will let us know.
The election will prove entertaining if nothing else. It will be interesting and eye opening as to who the “special interest” groups will put in the races. Yes, that happens. They pay the entry fee and any campaign expenses.
Yep, a custom bought and paid for candidate. It happens.
All candidates bring the same jargon used in most campaigns. Even bring the usual nuances to convince the people that they are just one of them.
Let’s go over some fun facts about most political candidates. Here is what to listen for and watch out for:
They really have no prior political involvement; however, they claim to attend the commission meetings. This is strange because they have never really attended and only attend after declaring and only attend a few times just to be seen.
They come bearing promises of making things happen. Telling what they personally will get accomplished. Beware of any candidate using the word “promise.”
They can’t get anything done without five more votes. And more times than not one has to sell their soul to get the other five. The people lose again.
If a candidate uses phrases like, “I’ll tell you the honest truth.” Watch out. Does this mean they usually tell a pack of lies?
Candidates that come to a gathering to speak with their shirt sleeves rolled up. That is to symbolize that they will roll up their sleeves and get down to business. Their campaign manager or public relations person has told them this looks good and makes an impression.
This one I personally find amusing and entertaining: The candidate who goes into a rural community of blue-collar families. They like to spend a lot of time outdoors. Hunting and fishing are beloved pastimes and endeavors.
Therefore, the candidate shows up wearing jeans, a checked flannel shirt, orange vest, boots and topped off with a hunting cap with ear flaps. Yep, just one of them good old boys made of smoke and mirrors.
Now, if all of this sounds harsh, well, sometimes reality is harsh. Politics is a rough life if you really just want to do the people’s will, because mainly, you are stuck on an island unto yourself. You have no allies. You can’t get anything done.
Now, in all fairness, there are four or five sitting commissioners who try to do the right things, but they are always mostly out-voted.
With that being said, let’s take a look at how Augusta would be better if the city charter were to be be re-written and a few changes made.
Augusta does not need 10 elected commissioners. This creates a quagmire most times. The city needs to be divided into six equal districts.
Put a pin in the dead reckoning center of a map of Augusta and cut it into six pieces like you would when cutting a pie. Let the districts be at large and give the mayor a vote.
Your vote is a precious thing and not something to be taken lightly. Don’t have the idea that your vote doesn’t count. It does. Don’t think your candidate has enough votes not to cast yours. If you do that you are cheating yourself as well as the candidate.
Voting is easy. Too easy, really. There is no reason not to vote. Everyone has to abide by the same rules.
For those that say the voting is designed to make it harder for some than others, just stop. That is just not factual.
We all have to be registered. We all have to show a government issued form of identification. We all have to show proof that we are eligible to vote and in a designated area. We all have to find our way to the voting location or make it out to the curbside mailbox to mail in an absentee ballot. The mail carrier will even take it out of your home mailbox. How hard is that?
Nowhere does it say in the Constitution that the polling location must provide a waiting voter liquid refreshments or feed them. If you think you may need that while waiting in line, then bring your own.
Lastly, when voting, put blinders on. How about voting for the most qualified?
Or, you can just hold your nose, turn your head and blindly push a random button.
Folks, as always, you just can’t make this stuff up.
