(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column of those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
Let’s begin by talking about last week’s column and the $100,000 donation that Moses Todd talked about in a Facebook post. In addition, we also need to answer a few questions that were brought up in either the column or on Facebook.
Can a person or company give a candidate $100,000?
Yes they can!! It’s just totally illegal.
Was this donation money or an in-kind donation?
According to the paperwork, it said it was cash, but then it had the “in-kind” checked.
“
Do you think there was a paperwork error?
Yes, and most people think that. Someone in my inbox said, “We don’t need a mayor who can’t follow directions on paper work, then expect them to run a billion dollar government.”
Someone said she got a $200K donation?
No, it was only $100,000. What you are thinking of is that she was accused of taking $200K from a local charity, and Judge Brown said she had to pay it back.
Didn’t Mayor Hardie Davis take money and then run for office?
Now, we are not gonna talk about that here. Ask my column follower Allen. He says I never talk about the mayor, so I have to stick to that.
Did you like the Sylvia Cooper impersonation with the questions and answers? She’s a legend!!
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Police Talk
I had very a interesting conversation with Chief Deputy Pat Clayton and really appreciated his thoroughness in explaining the recent crimes. I can tell you this – he is a man who does not mince words, and he assured me that the RCSO are going to get these thugs off the streets. I told him how much I appreciated the work of the Sheriff’s Office and look forward to our follow up conversation. In defense of the Sheriff’s Office, the deputies are out investigating and using all available resources to shake things up.
In some cases it may be a little too late, and in one case – I believe there were several different pieces that played a part in a tragic end. I was listening to Austin Rhodes the other day – Kelby was on, and he mentioned the case about the 8-year-old little girl. He stated that Redfield had been locked up twice before that incident, but actually it was three times. Twice for gun charges and then there were some drugs involved as well. I went and looked it up, and sure enough there it was – before he was 21 he had a gun charge that was pleaded down to a misdemeanor. Then after that he had a second gun charge, it was again pleaded down to first offender. Now, in my eyes, that second time when the first offender thing was used …. that would have been a sign to me. However, I am not the DA and don’t know all the info they used to make that decision. Then, there is the case where Redfield was charged in a double murder. The charges were dropped and he was released based on the lack of evidence. So, it actually seems that we may have a situation where even before it got to this administration – a past administration could have possibly been a little tougher?
Either way – the people who are truly responsible are the ones who were out there and stated they didn’t see anything or said he was innocent in reference to the nightclub shooting. Their testimonies and stories or lack there of, are truly the reason he was set free – to be allegedly involved in the killing of Arbrie Anthony. That sweet little princess didn’t deserve any of this. However, everything that God does is perfect. We don’t understand it all – but it’s perfect, but I know God will make him reap what he has sowed. Please feel free to comment about your feeling in reference to the DAs past and present handling of this case or this individual. Would love to hear your take.
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Maps, Maps, Maps
So, Augusta is still all shook up about the redrawn maps, and this past week with the maps being approved by both chambers of the government. The biggest news came when it was said that A.K. Hasan was no longer in his 6 District seat after being drawn out. The word from some involved is that he basically drew himself out, but that’s a conversation for another day.
OK. No, we will have it today. From my understanding, there was some level of confusion when they were in the process. This led to the use of an old address or something. Either way, he is no longer in that district. He sent out letters to all media partners and said he was getting out. This was followed by another press release that stated this happen as a direct result of his leadership and how effective he has been. They are basically trying to shut him down.
Maybe that is the sign he needed to run for mayor – oh wait, you didn’t hear? He plans to announce he will be running for mayor.
Which may come in handy or maybe he can serve as interim mayor once the current mayor steps down to take care of – let’s just say it seems as if things are starting to pile up. The recent article in The Augusta Press about ethics violations, possible prosecution, overdraft fees and letters appearing – it seems out of thin air – wait – enough of that. Who could serve as interim mayor until the end of the year? I asked a few friends, and this was their responses and mine to follow. Maybe Bob Young? He’s probably to busy being a movie star.
Could Deke do it? Deke is my friend, and some say he was a great mayor.
How about Charles Walker?
Noooo, he’s too busy running the campaign for Gar — I mean he definitely has the skills and the leadership ability, however currently he is just to busy.
Whoever it is, maybe that person can help them go ahead appoint Tameka Allen the administrator, and we can get this city moving forward with what I would refer to as a home person. Maybe while they are voting to replace the administrator, they can look into what happened to the fire station that was going to be built out Gordon Highway.
Did you mention Fire Station? Well good – just this week I had two people, with one being a commissioner asking me. What was the reason they built the fire station downtown before they built the one out near Fort Gordon? Especially since there were two pretty close to each other, downtown already. I told them they should really look into the issues that surrounded the building of a fire station out there. I also reminded them of the price they paid for the land they acquired.
This is no reflection on current administration – just tons of smoke being blown their way in the past. If any readers would like to weigh in on that, please feel free to drop those comments below. I would love to hear your response and just imagine someone involved is biting at the bit to have his named thrown around for the administrator job.
Maybe that’s the reason someone sent me the picture of a particular person and their former in house “legal counsel” recently strolling through – here I go getting ahead of myself again.
I didn’t even get a chance to cover my recent findings in regards to the State Court drama that’s playing out or actually that was totally shutdown. All parties involved are extremely mad and asking around about who am I talking about. Trying to blemish the stellar career of Judge David Watkins? Don’t worry this story will unfold and the parties involve WILL be revealed. I was about to tell about ……………, WELL here I go again.
Michael Meyers is a columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Michael.meyers@theaugustapress.com
