(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column of those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
Diving right into to the column for this week.
Let me start by thanking everyone for all the comments on last week’s column. There is always a level of surprise when you read some of them. But once the room is read, you understand why certain people have so much to say.
Let’s remind everyone again: this is a column, NOT an article. Just like you allow others—let’s say people in the media—to have entire made-up conversations with elected officials or in some cases give actual reports and not reveal their sources, everyone, including me, should have the chance to prepare their column how they see fit.
I will admit there are times when I’ve purposely led you out on limb. That’s part of my style—waiting for the next sentence. But you have to admit that I’m not Fox News—making up election results. (That’s for the guy who made the fake news comment about The GreenJackets. Again, if you haven’t been—go.)
Having said all of the above, let’s jump into this conversation about the upcoming election – especially since early voting has already started.
On Sunday afternoon, I gave my old friend—and many would say community leader—Mr. J.R. Riles a call. For those that don’t know, J.R. Riles (“JR”) and JR’s Store is a historical staple in the Black community.
For years, people in the community would ride by JR’s Store and many would determine who they were voting for based on what signs he had out front.
Knowing this information, and with the need to touch as many voters as possible, candidates then and candidates now, still flock to J.R. for what some would call the “Hood Endorsement.”
MORE: Sylvia Cooper Column: Augusta Commission pontifications target sheriff’s office request
Our conversations are always good – because he is straight shooter. J.R. is going to say exactly what he wants to and not hold any punches.
After brief salutations and him telling me about how much he likes reading the column, J.R. says, “I like how you always say…’I’m getting ahead of myself’…or something like that. But will you go ahead and talk about that Judge Watkins thing already?”
Either way, I let him know that was for another day, and I will get to it at the appropriate time. What I wanted to know was who he is supporting in the upcoming election and what races stuck out more than others?
J.R. talked about District 2 and the need for real change in this area. J.R.’s store is in this district, and his support goes to retired firefighter Ralph Gunter.
As it relates to judges, Katrell Nash is another name he threw out as supporting.
In a bit of surprise—but not really—J.R. said he is supporting Ashley Wright. Judge Wright has become a common thread in the Black community. J.R.’s support of her is surprising because it goes against many of the optics that are talked about in Augusta—that people vote along racial lines.
I guess when people feel someone is doing a good job, what’s the point in replacing them?
The election of Mark Bowen was a good example of the crossing racial lines in support.
J.R. and I talked about a few other races and for some he was quick to say, “I ain’t even touching that one. What’s the point.”
We began to discuss the mayor’s race and his outright support for Steven Kendrick. My question was why Steven?
J.R. said without hesitation, “He’s the best candidate.”
He went on to discuss Mr. Kendrick’s background in economic development and the way he turned the Tax Commissioner’s office around. J.R. emphasized the need for progressive thoughts in the mayor’s office. He expressed his sentiments about healing time for our city in the midst of the alleged turmoil the city has been through. He stated at the end of the day, it will come down to two candidates. In his opinion, those two candidates will be local businessman Garnett Johnson and former Tax Commissioner Steven Kendrick.
J.R .cautioned me and told me to caution the community about getting caught up on this one (mayoral) race. He said the community’s focus should be on the upcoming school board races and what he calls, and I quote, a “failing school system.”
J.R. made mention of my last column and stated that Wayne Frazier’s comments about the leadership and board were spot on. J.R. said that each board member needs to be looked at individually and some of them need to go – IMMEDIATELY. He also said that school board members need term limits.
Look for a follow up column with Mr. Riles. He said he has other information and thoughts that need to be looked at in reference to the school board.
As we continue election talk…
I was sent a video of a forum in South Augusta that involved Interim Commissioner Alvin Mason and Betty Reese. The forum started out OK with Mr. Mason speaking on the importance of building South Augusta and his record of service.
MORE: Michael Meyers: Candidates and election fuel area conversations and concerns
No sooner than Mason could sit down, Ms. Reese seems to attack Mason and had to be halted by the moderators of the event.
I spoke with Mason about the incident as it was sent to me, saying he was attacked and asked did he feel attacked?
He responded by saying, “Yes it was an outright attack and very uncalled for.” This video can be seen on the Mason for District 4 page on Facebook.
Mason talked about the need to build up South Augusta and the importance of providing good transportation (bus service) out in that area. In the video, you can see Ms. Reese (who is on the transportation board) saying there is no need for transportation out there, that people who live in that area are retired and have vehicles.
I believe providing good transportation resources anywhere in our community will be a plus for our entire community. Our current transportation situation is a bit, hmmm…lackluster – to say the least. Either way, that race will be interesting.
Early voting has begun and the polls are already open.
You can find your locations for early voting on the city’s website, and there are plenty of opportunities to get out ahead of the lines. I believe we will have a larger than normal turnout, but I still don’t believe we will hit the last presidential numbers like some are expecting.
It may be that the hotly contested governor’s race may make some people turn out here locally. Especially with Trump’s endorsement and some people still being die-hard Trump supporters. Perdue is making waves and seemingly trying to push the ticket as hard as he can.
Maybe some of that local money (I’m hearing – $25K) that Kemp received from one of the mayor candidates—themselves, family and employees—will help push him over.
Wait… here I go getting ahead of myself again.
Michael Meyers is a columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Michael.meyers@theaugustapress.com
