The final three Augusta commissioners Brandon Garrett, Al Mason and Wayne Guilfoyle were sworn into office on Jan. 3, but they were upstaged by Mason’s mother, Hazel Sturdivant, who stole the show.
Garrett started off his second term with the “Dad” jokes he is becoming famous for and thanked his wife, Candace, for being the “hottest wingman” that a man could ask for. Garrett also thanked his three children for being patient with a father who has to sometimes work long hours.
MORE: Garnett Johnson: Q&A with Augusta’s very soon-to-be mayor
Guilfoyle teared up as he thanked his supporters and briefly mentioned his youth in Augusta growing up in a crowded household. He paid tribute to his 90-year-old mother, Emiko Guilfoyle, who immigrated from Japan shortly after World War II and noted that he is the second Asian-American commissioner, following in the footsteps of Madison Woo, who was first elected in 1970.
After Guilfoyle and Garrett were sworn in, the usual somber atmosphere for such a ceremony went out the window as music began playing in the background.
Mason’s Communications Director DeNeiya Goddly took to the podium and announced herself the emcee. Mason’s family members joined him at the podium, including his 90 year-old mother, Hazel Sturdivant.
After the formality of the swearing in, Mason tossed the traditional speech in favor of serenading his mom. Mason is the seventh of nine children, and he thanked Sturdivant for not stopping at six children.
It was clear that Mason was having fun allowing his mother to be the star of the show.
Mason closed out the festive atmosphere by singing ,“Better Days Are Coming Soon,” while his beaming mother looked on.
“I am just so proud of my son,” Sturdivant said.
Scott Hudson is the senior reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
