Legendary singer and songwriter Merle Haggard wrote and recorded a song entitled, “If We Make It Through December.” The first line of the song is, “If we make it through December, everything’s gonna be alright, I know.” Well, since you are reading this, it’s evident that you made it through December. But are things, really gonna be alright?
If people sit back on their hands and let other people do the heavy lifting and call all the shots, you can just bet your bottom dollar things won’t be alright. You have a voice. Use it. However, just because you have a voice, don’t be a trained parrot and just repeat what people tell you to repeat. You also have a brain. Use it. Do some deep diving into issues. Put blinders on so you have to use your brain, intellect and reasoning. Let facts and truth be the goal to answers.
On Tuesday, Jan. 7, a new year will begin in Augusta government’s favorite game of hide the truth. Along with hiding truths will be hiding the finances, land deals and self-serving projects. Protective circles will be formed to once again protect certain department directors. Harsh? Yes. Most of the commissioners will say this just isn’t the case. Everything they do is for the betterment of the citizens of Augusta-Richmond County. Really?
Let’s take a look at just a few of the “looking out for the taxpayers.” A failed Parks and Recreation department. A failed landfill that has been infused with millions and still can’t operate correctly and has to have more money. A 311 system that has no real rhyme or reason to be in operation. If you report a problem, few things if any get repaired.
A street light fee that will need more money. Why? Georgia Power owns some of the street lights, Augusta owns some of the street lights. Citizens pay for all of the street lights even thought there are two in place when one will suffice. Stormwater fee that brings in approximately $13 million a year and half goes to payroll. Where does the other half go? Not many stormwater projects get done unless you count the new “Your Stormwater Fees at Work” signs being made. What about a failed city owned cemetery system? The condition and upkeep of the three cemeteries are disgraceful. Get the picture? What are some issues that you think about?
With the coronations of three elected commissioners having taken place, there are still two more to be sworn into office. Both of these oath of office proceedings will be taken without the fanfare or over the top ceremonies. Just the two elected in chambers with a judge and Bible. They will have a family member hold the Bible and maybe a couple of family members or friends standing beside them. Old fashioned, maybe, but for some, it’s the way a serious oath and dedication to serve should be held. But, it is a matter of choice.
This Tuesday, before the first commission meeting, Commissioner Catherine McKnight will be sworn into office for her second term at 1:30 p.m. Commissione-elect Tina Slendak will be sworn in for her 1st term at 1:45 p.m.
The first order of business for the 2025 Commissioners will be to elect a mayor pro tem. The mayor pro tem fills in and conducts the commission business in the mayor’s absence. The mayor pro tem is supposed to assist the mayor whenever possible. Commissioner Brandon Garrett is the current mayor pro tem, but has not be in meetings or chambers for a couple of months.
The most likely commissioners to be vying for mayor pro tem in all likelihood will be Commissioners Francine Scott, Wayne Guilfoyle, Jordon Johnson, Catherine McKnight and Alvin Mason.
Let’s take a look at these possible choices. Commissioner Alvin Mason has been out for medical reasons for six months. Supposedly still being paid and receiving auto allowance. Will he attend the meetings for the next two years or will he go back out on medical?
Commissioner Francine Scott relies on others to have anything to champion, such as the discrimination ordinance for Augusta that was literally handed to her. There were nine other commissioners meeting with groups and listening to their concerns. Nine other commissioners helped form and write the ordinance and pass it. No, it was not hers alone. Commissioner Scott is a very likable woman. I like her personally. Doesn’t mean I have to agree with her policies.
Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle is a gifted man. He is also a successful business owner. He is a nice and benevolent man. Whenever I have called him, he has been there for me. He weighs in on all sides, mostly taking caution when asking questions, for me sometimes, too cautiously. Several times when he has someone who is about to lay out the real truth or answer out of frustration, Guilfoyle relents because he doesn’t want to appear confrontational. Why do I say that? Because Guilfoyle has what
mannerisms of someone long enough, you can pick up on their “tells.” Guilfoyle and I have talked and laughed about his.
Commissioner Catherine McKnight is an ever steady member of the commission. She is truly there for all of the right reasons. She has the time and the true dedication it takes to do the job correctly for not only her constituents in her District 3, but for all of the citizens of Augusta. Don’t let her good nature be taken as weakness, you will be very disappointed. No way is she weak. McKnight may not press an issue she wants because she can tell it’s not the right time. But, she is tenacious when she fully believes. So the issue of a forensic audit is not over by a long shot. McKnight has gathered the needed experience and learned her lessons well.
As for Commissioner Jordon Johnson, this is just my opinion, but this man is one of the best shapeshifters to enter the field of politics. He needs the pro tem position on his political resume. As Forrest Gump would say, “And that’s all I got to say about that.”
It will be interesting who is chosen. The mayor may get a friend or he will surely get a pain in his backside. It will also be interesting who they put on what committees and who will chair those committees. And don’t forget about the outside boards where each commissioner will be appointed to two committees.
Congratulations to Sheriff Gino Brantley on the hiring of so many deputies. I see from the swearing in ceremony that you got my friend from the Marshall’s department. You have started off with a fulfillment, don’t stop. Be the leader the department needs. You have some excellent people that will stand by your side and behind you. Have an open door policy for your people to reach out to you when they need to. Be the change for good.
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the lost of Georgia’s President Jimmy Carter. While many may consider his presidency close to a failure, you certainly cannot say the man’s life was a failure. It wasn’t. President Carter was a server of the Lord and the people. He built Homes for Humanity and taught Sunday school every Sunday until he could no longer. Now he is being reunited with his one and only true beloved, his wife Rosalynn. Try and imagine the conversations he will have with Martin, John and Robert.
As Vince Gill sang, “Go rest high on that mountain
Son your work on earth is done
Go to heaven a-shoutin’
Love for the Father and the Son
Folks, as always, you just can’t make this stuff up.
