With Christmas being only three days away, the taxpayers of Augusta have to wonder what Santa and his 10 elves have in store for our stockings.
Most of us have been good little girls and boys. We’ve tried very hard to stay out of trouble, do the right things and be kind to one another; so most of us should expect a nice little gift under the decorated tree.
What, oh what, could be under the tree?
Could it be the street or road being paved that we’ve asked for each year? Could this year be the year the gift is actually being able to attach our homes to the city sewage? Could it be that the storm drains and ditches will be repaired and maintained so houses no longer flood? Could it be streetlights that are affordable and actually work? Could it be garbage being picked up at a rate that’s affordable? Could it be at that burned out house that has sat there for years being removed?
My, oh my, there have been so many presents we’ve asked for.
Or, are we asking for too many presents? Maybe we’re asking for presents that are just too hard to make, or, dare say, too expensive to produce? How can that be when we already paid for them?
Santa has a toy workshop full of workers. In fact, Santa has 10 super elf supervisors who decide which toys and presents are to be made. They tell their lead elf supervisor what toys and presents are to be made and then the lead elf gives the work order and the supervisor elves know exactly what their team is to build.
On paper, it looks like everything is in order to fulfill most of the gift and present list.
If only the 10 super elves would stay away from the supervisor elfs telling them what to make different, it may work.
If the supervisor elves would actually do the work and stop complaining that they don’t have enough worker elves to do the job, or not enough money to pay the worker elves.
As good and well behaved as most of us have been, we all may just get another chunk of coal in our Christmas stocking. We’ll just have to ask again next Christmas.
I think we all would have had better luck playing the lottery.
I don’t know how true this is, but I heard that the city had planned a little Christmas play at the Augusta Common. This was to have taken place during the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. They had to cancel that plan because they couldn’t find any officials to portray the Three Wise Men.
There was a special called meeting this past Tuesday that was held to vote for a new garbage service contract. There is nothing new to report in this department except they approved a three-month extension and still haven’t approved or agreed to the contract cost.
It is understood that the Procurement Department still has the bid process open. That seems just a bit odd to me. How can a contract be approved with existing companies if the bid process is still open?
Both Commissioners Sean Frantom and Bobby Williams gave their thanks and farewell speeches during a small reception held in the Beasley Room before a Hurricane Helene debris update was scheduled.
Williams told of his love for Augusta and the people in District 5. He made no apology for any of his votes or belligerent stances because he believed he was doing right by his constituents, even if serving them involved fisticuffs.
Sometimes during long, drawn out commission meetings Williams would get agitated and say little remarks like, “Let’s get finished. I gotta go feed my cat.” Staying in true fashion, when Williams finished his speech he stated, “I won’t be staying, I have to go feed my cat.”
And with that he was gone. He will never be forgotten. Bobby, enjoy your personal time and enjoy life. We’ll be seeing you.
Frantom’s farewell speech was quite different.
Anyone who knows Frantom knows his emotions run deeply, and sometimes they come to the surface. This was a time his emotions came to the surface, and more than a few eyes welled up.
People have to remember that Frantom won a special election to finish a term for the District 7 seat. He then held two, four-year terms that he won outright. During this time Frantom met and married his beautiful wife Jennifer and together, they had two sons.
The family’s entire life has been involved with Frantom’s political career. Therefore, tears were shed as he gave the people thanks. Frantom is a person who truly loves to serve.
Sean, take a few months off, spend time with Jennifer and the children and then saddle back up. You are very much needed.
Incoming Commissioner Don Clark stood and gave his newbie speech. He thanked all who have helped him. He told some interesting things about his life. Clark introduced his beautiful wife to the people and then brought up Sheriff-elect Gino Brantley to stand beside him.
This is the point where it got very amusing. Clark pointed out that he and Brantley were always getting mistaken for one another. Then he pointed out the very obvious differences between the two. For one, Clark is taller, has facial hair, has hair on his head and is not as muscular as Brantley. The entire time Brantley just stood smiling with a smug look on his face. It was great.
Commissioner-elect Tina Slendak gave her newbie speech as well. As a lifelong resident of District 7, she is devoted to that district. However, she says she will also serve the entire citizenry of Augusta. Slendak also introduced her husband Bo, who is a big man with a big heart and a great sense of humor. Together, they make a great team.
I am looking forward to seeing what these two new commissioners bring to the table.
Now if only missing in action Alvin Mason and Brandon Garrett would return to the seats they were elected to fill, that would be great. If not, it is time for them to resign their commission seats and let the districts vote for new representation.
Now, I like both of these men, but liking someone has nothing to do with responsibility and obligation. If health or personal reasons prevent them from their duties that they are being paid for, then they should just resign; otherwise it is unfair to the people.
This is wishing all of you a very merry and happy Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. May peace, joy and togetherness be with us all.
Folks, as always, you just can’t make this stuff up.
