(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
We’re not done with the Summerville issue yet, so let’s dive right into that.
From all accounts it seems as if the meeting went well. This comes from the accounts of those that are getting amped up for and about a secession. The meeting was attended by those for and against; however, it seems as if those for out-numbered the against five to one.
Opinion
The major argument put forward time and time again was that this community-within-our-community, has the ability to be self-sufficient. The services required to start your own city are the easy part for this group, or so they say. The local support from the governing bodies is where they may have some issues.
I was told not a single legislator showed up for this meeting. This was probably disappointing to those in attendance and probably disgruntled several of them. Why does it matter? It seems as if they have everything they need to move forward anyway. Right?
Dennis Perry believes the reason this is happening is, and I quote, “Government exists to serve the people it taxes. If the people feel their tax dollars are not serving their needs, they can find a way to correct the imbalance. Since the people making the decisions seem to be disregarding their objections, the state of Georgia has provided a remedy to mitigate this disagreement. It is not a Black or White argument, it’s a what’s best for me and my family argument.”
Overall, the column last week must have been spot on. The only gripe I got from the unofficial spokesperson, Stefanie Reed, was that I spelled her name with a “PH.” I can live with that.
This week’s column may evoke a few more comments, unless they are all at the attorney’s office preparing their lawsuits against the city about the monuments.
Today’s column will be done before the last commission meeting, so I will have to reserve some of my comments about it until next week.
I will say this. I don’t know how many tears will be shed today, but my guess is none. The general concensus of most of the commissioners — even though they may not say it out loud — is they are glad some of them are packing up and leaving. I will have to agree.
MORE: Column: Summerville secession discussion evokes lots of comments
I believe that we will see some progress for the city, which is a change from what has happened over the most recent years. Not that all of our commissioners are against change. We just had some that are so divisive that if the progress is not what THEY wanted, they would do anything to halt it. So… good riddance to bad rubbish.
I guess one of them can spend their time trying to hold up the progress the school board is trying to make— that’s if they can even make it that far.
From what I’m hearing there is going to be plenty of opposition against that! Not because of not needing help – just not needing that kind of help. Plus, some may still have some recent issues following them around.
Where is Hardie headed? Everyone wants to know. My guess is to hide within the Administration somewhere in Washington, D. C., which is a perfect fit for him. You have to admit he may not have been the perfect mayor, but he is definitely a politician.
Make sure to drop below your thoughts on where you think Hardie Davis is headed as his term comes to an end.
With that being said…
Jordan Johnson is on a war path, so everyone stay clear! He has been working late in the office and is devising 2023 objectives to include: completion of tiny homes, eradication of food deserts in District 1, and continuing to fight blight. I asked him over the weekend what is his number one goal for Augusta this year and he commented, “Augusta.” Which to me meant he is fighting for a better Augusta.
Speaking of a better Augusta…
Let’s talk about this strip club ordinance that was passed. It’s very important that every detail is exact, and I’m glad to see that the commission (especially Hasan and Dennis Williams) was able to get this worked out.
Let’s just hope they don’t need an ambulance if they fall off the stage. Oh, here I go getting ahead of myself again. . .
Michael Meyers is a columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Michael.meyers@theaugustapress.com
