(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column of those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
So much to cover that we almost need the whole newspaper to get it all in. We need to figure out how to put it all in this column—TODAY. More importantly, how to do all of that and not bore you at the same time. (However, we know this column is never boring.)
Let me start by saying I am always overwhelmed by people introducing themselves to me and those who stop me to say, “I read your column.” That in itself tells me my column is not boring. I’m sure that most people are humbled anytime someone says something like that to them—I know I am.
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With that being said, I want to make sure to say hello to my new friend Mark B. who stopped me at the GreenJackets’ home opener. He said he really enjoys reading TAP, but that we need to make sure we keep up the level of reporting we started with. Thanks for stopping me, Mark B., and thanks for reading. Of course that is our goal.
I know I just mentioned the GreenJackets’ home opener. A SELL OUT! If you have never been to a GreenJackets game, go online and buy a ticket and GO! That place is amazing! The atmosphere is amazing and just the entire overall experience is amazing. The first three nights of baseball were electric, and average attendance for this first week was over 4,000. I tell you, the city of Augusta really missed out when we let the GreenJackets slip into North Augusta.
Speaking of slipping or maybe – well, you be the judge?
Longtime educator, principal and now outspoken school board member Dr. Wayne Frazier was called to task for his recent Facebook post. He stated, and I quote, “A failing school system has very little to do with students, parents, teachers or administrators. It has more to do with the caliber of leadership of its elected board members.”
The comment drew tons of criticism from local talk show host Austin Rhodes.
This also lighted a fire storm within the board meeting, which is nothing new. There were talks before about possibly censuring Frazier for his comments for always referring to the Richmond County School system as failing.
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I reached out to Richmond County School Board member Venus Cain for comments. She quickly stated that she hates hearing people use the term “failing school system” when referring to the RCBOE. She went on to name dozens of people who are products of the school system, from generations past and present, who have been successful. Ms. Cain stated, “Isn’t he an elected board member? Here Wayne go, putting his foot in his mouth again.”
Maybe current Commissioner Ben Hasan can fix what’s going on within our school system once he’s elected to the school board. You heard it here first—I predict Ben Hasan throws his name in the hat to run for school board. However, this is really going to upset some people because he has a real hands-on approach.
Columbia turns on Raffensberger
If you missed the video online go back and watch Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger’s visit to Augusta last weekend. It seemed to start out well, but as the meeting was closing, several people wanted to question him about the 2020 election. They made claims of fraud and wanted to show him how much fraud occurred.
They stated they received multiple absentee ballots for other people and even ballots from out of state. When Raffensberger asked to see proof, of course none was available or real. However, they still seem to want to make claims of tremendous elections irregularities. Many of them stated he should have halted the election and even changed the results. The entire situation turned into a mad house, and local news outlets reported that Mr. Raffensberger had to be hurriedly escorted out of the meeting by his security.
Seems as if the Republicans are going to have some fierce battles ahead on their side, and I am sure the Democrats don’t mind that at all. Actually I know they don’t mind it. I saw several of their posts after the gubernatorial debate between Kemp and Perdue. Shots were being fired back and forth like downtown Augusta… too early?
While I’m on the subject of shots being fired
Let’s make sure to keep our city, our first responders and our leaders in prayer as we face this on-going attack of violence that is ravaging our city right now. With about nine or 10 shootings in the course of a week and seven people killed – this already has the markings of a very deadly year for Augusta.
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Speaking with a few people in law enforcement, it’s hard to get a grasp on all the violence. With the level of gang activity present, and what many in the streets are calling “retaliation fire,” it’s hard to know where the next incident may happen. However, leadership has assured me that they are “taking the steps to get it under control, and in short time you will see many of these so-called gangbangers off the street for good.”
Oh! Don’t think I forgot about my continuing saga of ‘As the Robes Turn‘
I had a major update last week. I was also told to go ahead and spill the beans and let everyone know who started this unwarranted and unsubstantiated attack on Judge David D. Watkins. They know who they are, and I’ll just let them sweat another week.
Can you believe one of them had the nerve to tell me once that “no one even reads TAP or your column,” then called to question me about something I had written. LOL (For my older readers that means laugh out loud; it’s a thing we do in texts to…never mind.)
Mannnnnn – I was supposed to breakdown the candidates who are running for mayor, judges and commissioners! Well, regarding not all of them—but most of them—I have some interesting commentary to bring out.
It will just have to wait – we need to discuss the Grovetown Mayor
If anyone knew that the recent rodeo held there allegedly would cost the city to put it on! I’m hearing there are some elected officials and citizens asking questions about this considering that money has already been spent, and no vote was had. I will say this. There have been concerns leveled, and even calls made at the state level to look into those actions and other recent actions that have drawn considerable amount of concern by some. Bills are still coming in, so the total hasn’t been tallied – yet.
Maybe they can call former Augusta Mayor Bob Young and ask him what is needed to impanel a grand jury. Wait – he can’t; so, maybe what I heard is true? To have this done he called commissioner … here I go getting ahead of myself again.
Michael Meyers is a columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Michael.meyers@theaugustapress.com
