Long-time political watchers know there is a major difference when it comes to the Augusta/ Richmond County and the Columbia County commissions. In Richmond County, debates over agenda items can last hours, while in Columbia County, if the entire meeting goes over 30 minutes, it is considered a long meeting.
According to former Columbia County EMA Director Pam Tucker, there is a reason for that. She says almost all major decisions in Columbia County are made behind closed doors.
Recently, The Augusta Press sent a reporter to cover Columbia County Chairman Doug Duncan as he gave the keynote address at the Columbia County Republican Women’s Association. Our reporter was denied entry to the meeting and asked to leave the property.
“We were surprised to hear the Columbia County Republican Women did not want coverage of their January meeting,” says The Augusta Press Editor-in-Chief Debbie van Tuyll. “But then we found out the ‘no media’ request came from Doug Duncan.”
Duncan readily admitted he made the request.
“When they asked me to talk,” Duncan responded, “it was under the agreement that the media would not be invited.”
Pam Tucker says that is just business as usual on the commission.
“Everything is done beforehand. The real decision-making happens either behind closed doors or on the golf course,” she says. “It is all worked out as to who will make the motion, who will second, and if it is a controversial issue, one commissioner might be allowed to vote “no” to save face with their constituents.”
The 18-year veteran of Columbia County government says that she refused to attend the private meetings due to transparency concerns.
“They stopped inviting me because they knew I wouldn’t come,” she explains. “That is why I ran for office. I wanted to put an end to the culture of secrecy.”
Tucker claims the real power behind the throne is County Manager Scott Johnson and that usually the commissioners serve as a rubber stamp.
It must be noted that The Augusta Press contacted Tucker; she did not contact the paper regarding this issue of commission secrecy in Columbia County. In 2018, Tucker ran for the chair position and lost to Doug Duncan. She said she wants to be clear that she is not spreading sour grapes.
“I just want to see transparency,” she says. “The citizens of Columbia County deserve it.”
Meanwhile, Editor-in-Chief Debbie van Tuyll reaffirmed The Augusta Press’ commitment to cover Columbia County government. “If it means we have to follow politicians to the golf course,” she maintains, “then we will follow them to the golf course.”
Scott Hudson is the Managing Editor of The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
