Former Augusta Commissioner Matt Aitken is making another run for elected office.
Aitken’s campaign released a statement Sunday saying he would seek the District 1 seat on the Augusta Commission and will host a news conference Tuesday. The election is May 21.
“I believe District 1 is the best place to live in Georgia,” he said in a statement. “I strongly believe that everyone can contribute to the growth of Augusta… Our elected officials, department heads and their staffs must all play a part in planning and building this district.”
Aitken is the only white candidate since consolidation to represent District 1, which is about 63% Black. He served from 2009-2012 and gave the commission a 6-4 white majority.
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The seat, known to attract numerous contenders, has another hopeful, Kevin de l’Aigle, challenging incumbent Jordan Johnson. Already all five opening commission seats are contested.
Aitken was a factory worker during his prior term, which occasionally caused him to miss meetings. Now he’s a real estate agent for Sherman and Hemstreet, a firm whose owners share ownership with The Augusta Press.
Aitken, who showed up to support Mayor Garnett Johnson at his January “state of the city” address, wouldn’t have to travel far to meetings. He and his wife, Melissa, live in a restored historic home beside Augusta Municipal Building.
Among his accomplishments, Aitken cites the completion of Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center. He cites his support for improving drainage in East Augusta, implementing a downtown parking management plan and efforts to attract a new grocery store to 15th Street.
District 1 includes the areas of East Augusta, Olde Town, downtown and Harrisburg.
Aitken said his platform includes expanding the convention center, including an outdoor banquet area and parking deck and supporting the Richmond Academy campus. He wants to fast-track permitting the new Salvation Army Center of Hope and address panhandling and homeless encampments.
Aitken’s tenure followed that of former Commissioner Betty Beard. His was cut short in 2012 when Commissioner Bill Fennoy defeated him with 63% of votes in a runoff, after Aitken got the most votes in the general election. His supporters included prominent Augusta businessmen such as Donnie Thompson and Barry Storey.
Qualifying for the nonpartisan commission seats, several local judgeships and numerous partisan primaries is March 4-8.
Susan McCord is a staff writer with The Augusta Press. Reach her at susan@theaugustapress.com
