(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column of those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
Let us start off with a few things that should add some smiles to our hearts. The CSRA is busting at the seams with talent. I was looking over some stuff and, probably to the surprise of many of you reading this column, we have several teams that have advanced quite a distance into the state basketball playoffs.
Augusta Christian Boys State Champions
North Augusta Girls Final 4
Josey Girls Elite 8 Cross Creek Girls Elite 8
Laney Girls Elite 8
Greenbrier Girls Elite 8
Westside Boys Elite 8Butler Boys Elite 8
Cross Creek Boys Elite 8
Grovetown Boys Elite 8
Thomson Boys Elite 8
Burke County Boys Elite 8
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We should be extremely proud of our student athletes from all over the CSRA. The best part, or some may say the worst part, in some cases, is that we may end up with area schools playing against each other in the final four or for the State Championship which is exciting to me.
A source close to Richmond County School Board member Venus Cain told me that she has added to the agenda, a petition to the Georgia High School School Association requesting that games between any local schools playing each other for the state championship be played here, maybe at the James Brown Arena or another very large neutral site arena.
This could very well happen with Laney-Josey playing for a state championship, Westside-Butler playing for a state championship and even the possibility of Crosscreek-Burke County-Thomson all lined up in another bracket with the potential of them being able to play each other.
The last one doesn’t have all Richmond County schools, but it would sure be fun to be able to see all these go down right here in Augusta. Which brings us to another thought – how great would our city be if we had one of those big multi-spots venues in town?
The old Regency Mall location would be ideal. If you have never seen that sports complex in North Georgia where they hold these large AAU tournaments – thousands of kids and family members attend every weekend – you need to check it out. The Lake Point Sports Complex is an amazing site, and our old Regency Mall Location would be perfect. Go check that out online and get back to me.
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Another mayoral candidate
As mentioned in this column last week, A.K. Hasan is running for mayor. The formal announcement via press release came Monday morning. Mr. Hasan, who is currently the Richmond County School Board member representing the 6th district, as you know, was going to run for county commission. He was drawn out the district and has now decided to run for mayor.
Hasan says he has heard his leadership is needed in this community, so he feels that he has to do something. He is running and, as stated in his press release, the train is moving full steam ahead. Sources close to his camp told me that he will possibly lose some of his closest supporters because they have already committed to other candidates for mayor. This should be very interesting considering he is like number 11 in the mayor’s race now. With still another possible person to announce this week.
Douse in as interim administrator
Let me start by congratulating my longtime friend on her new appointment. Little background – Takiyah and I started middle school together. She has always been extremely bright and talented. She is very well suited to hold this position, and she is a hometown person. She is Augusta.
I did some background research on how it all happened, considering Douse was not on my radar; but apparently she was on the important radar.
When the announcement came that Odie Donald was leaving, I’m told Douse was immediately a name that came in the mix. When I was told they were considering a woman already in the government, I immediately though they were speaking of Tameka Allen. She had held that position in the past and, from all accounts, did a great job. However, there were some commissioners who didn’t feel she was the right person for the job. I think their reasons were more personal than anything to do with ability.
Be that as it may, Douse, a former leader in the Tax Commissioner’s Office, then appointed to lead the newly formed Central Services Department, understands Augusta government. Douse was talked about and apparently approved even before the meeting was underway. I’m told Jordan Johnson walked in with one name, got a second, and she was overwhelmingly approved. Without really any conversation.
Power Move?
I say so! Maybe Commissioner Johnson is cementing his presence after all. Or maybe it’s been going on the entire time?
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Commission District 3 is on fire….
Catherine Smith-McKnight is one pissed little lady. She fired off a post on Facebook after she was attacked at a press conference by some community stakeholders from her district. Those stakeholders accused her of not fighting for the people in her district and only being concerned about certain areas.
She has always denied that and has even supplied anyone who would listen information about what is being done all over her district. Since that time, James Germany has apologized for what happened and even stated that the attack was basically orchestrated by community leader Monique Braswell. Braswell, from my understanding, is trying to initiate a recall vote.
That will never happen.
Most of the people I hear from in that district are happy with their current commissioner. I don’t know how true this is, but I was told that some of them are singing a different tune now about asking for Commissioner McKnight’s head because they may lose their appointments to various boards like airpirt and coliseum, so that may have made them pump their brakes.
We will continue to see how this redistricting turns out. Overall, we have some in the community who are either happy with it or fine with the results. Then you have the other half (give or take) who are just totally in outrage.
Again, let me say this: Commissioner McKnight didn’t want to lose any of her residents, including Sean Mooney who ran against her and would now seated in a different district seat, if the seats stand. Let me just say this: many over on that side are hoping it does. His name is the only name I continue to hear come up as it relates to a certain district seat.
While I continue my talks about the commission
I called Jordan Johnson last week to ask him the status of his plan to fight homelessness and the Homeless Task Force. He stated that I can expect to see it hit the agenda this month to discuss the findings. I have heard plenty of rumblings about this plan and the aggressive nature it will take to work on our homelessness issues in Augusta. From all accounts, it will shake up housing and what we think to be affordable housing in this community.
I asked what is affordable housing, and one of the comments that came back is, “I don’t know?” and that’s the problem.
Let’s just say this: we can all hope that something will be done and it will be effective. The days of playing for cameras and accolades are over. We need real solutions as it relates to housing and community development. These are not my words. These are words from people who can make a decision on that matter. Jordan assured me that mental health and housing will be in high consideration during this effort and he has left no stone unturned.
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Speaking no unturned stones…
Stone – Judge – more announcements, well maybe?
Lyons is running for superior court judge, and there is a possibility that we will see someone else announce a run for that seat. Last week we saw, Evita Paschall announced she was joining the race to replace Judge David Watkins when he retires in December. Word within the bar community is that she was encouraged to run by the same group that pulled the absurd shenanigans that failed to even provide any ammunition to the JQC in an attempted political hit job on Judge Watkins. Someone with front-seat knowledge stated that it was like taking a slingshot to a fight and the opponent had on kevlar. I just wonder if these associations will effect Paschall in this attempt to attain a seat.
Erstwhile State Court Judge Bo Hunter and Presidng Judge of Civil & Magistrate Court Lejoi Williamson, I’m told, have indicated they will apply for the seat being vacated by retiring State Court Judge Patricia Booker. She will step down March 31, 2022, and it is expected that Solicitor General Omeeka Loggins will also compete for the position. Because Judge Booker retires before her term expires in 2024, Gov. Brian Kemp gets to pick a replacement. Word is if Solicitor Omeeka Loggins gets nod then we will have those same folks trying to. Here I go getting ahead of myself again.
Michael Meyers is a columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Michael.meyers@theaugustapress.com
