(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
Let’s start by blaming Joe Edge and all of you great folks for my column being late again last week.
It’s not a bad blame but a good blame. Wait. Is that possible? I mean it is possible; however, let me do some explaining.
Opinion
It seems as if the growth of the paper has overtaken the amount of server we have. This is a good problem to have, and I would like to take a moment of “personal privilege” to thank each and every one of you for supporting The Augusta Press the way you have. I think this is only an embryo compared to where I think we will be in the future.
So from time to time, if you see a little bit of a glitch or it logs you out and you have to log in again, just do it with a smile knowing there are others going through the same issue.
They are trying to enjoy the No. 1 newspaper in Georgia and we are No. 1 because of you. Thanks again and keep reading. More importantly, tell others to subscribe so they can get the great local news that we all get. Without question, we are clearly the best choice in media coverage.
Now down to the business at hand.
Last week if you missed me filling in for Austin, you missed a great session with Cedric Johnson of Augusta University. Mr. Johnson sat down with me to discuss all the great things going on at AU. The great season they had with the basketball team and, more importantly, the growth they have made just this school year.
The university is asking and inviting the entire community to join them at the first home basketball game on Nov. 20. Come and let’s pack the gym for a phenomenal game experience, and to witness the dedication of the gym floor to the recently retired Athletic Director Clint Bryant.
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Augusta University is one of the schools in the nation that had an increase in enrollment since the pandemic. This speaks volumes for the direction of the university and its leadership. Under the leadership of Dr. Brooks Keel, Augusta University was at the forefront of providing vaccinations to the community and leading research for our state as it relates to COVID-19.
Augusta University is definitely a shining light in our community. As Mr. Johnson said, we still need tons of community support. So please stay tuned for ways to support the University and make sure to attend any events they offer. If you missed their journey last year as they were on a roll to the National Championship, you missed a treat. They just need that kind of support all year long. SO LET’S DO IT!
Ironman this past weekend provided it’s share of positive economic impact to our community but unfortunately with another episode of tragedy. Details are still limited on what exactly happened; however, early reports state this year again they had to pull someone out of the Savannah River. Unfortunately, the individual did not survive.
Let me state for the record. I do not believe this is a slight toward the event. This event is great and provides tons of positive community morale.
From the people who come out and cheer people on, to the people who are there to provide support, and others who just want to see what’s happening, all are great features of this event. Certainly we are hopeful, we can see this event and many more like it in the future.
One question was asked of me, and I don’t know the answer to this. Do the downtown stores, restaurants, companies, get any relief or anything being that they can’t do business while events like this go on?
As you probably know, the streets are blocked during this event, preventing potential customers in getting to the businesses. So are the businesses compensated for loss in revenue?
Maybe someone reading can help me with that answer?
Last week this column addressed the ongoing community violence, and over the weekend, TAP ran an editorial that explores the recent operation the sheriff’s office ran.
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Let’s make sure to highlight the times that our community crime fighters do superb work. We expect them — just like anyone in those fields — to do everything, which I believe is a bit much, as we often hold them to higher standards than we hold ourselves.
It should be a community effort to eradicate crime. It takes all of us working together to keep our community great and safe. Whether it’s picking up trash or when we see something saying something—all of us should play a part in this.
The sheriff and the district attorney in my eyes are working hard within their abilities. Believe me, I am the first to question things at times and ask “What are you doing?” Then I have to realize that there will always be crime and issues that go on within every community.
If I had to make one suggestion for the sheriff, it would be that we want to hear from YOU! Chief Clayton is a swell guy, he has a wealth of knowledge and does a great job doing what he does. However, to provide the community with a sense of comfort, I believe that would be best done by Sheriff Roundtree. Provide us with a statement every now and then.
It’s easy to come out when you make a big bust, and it seems as a time to celebrate. But it’s just as important to show your face and tell us what you’re going to do when things seem tough.
It’s easy to cut ribbons, but we want to know you are there when the bricks are being laid.
If you get a moment, please go back and watch last weeks school board meeting.
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From all accounts, and even my own, it seems as if it got a little heated. The discussion about canceling homecomings came up, and it seems as everyone had an opinion on the subject.
I really admire Venus Cain’s comments, basically stating we can not let the actions of criminals hold us hostage; we must continue to be positive, yet stay alert on what is going on around us. This comment was followed up by a safe homecoming weekend and plenty of fun had by all.
Speaking of fun had by all and Ms. Sylvia making reference to where is the Mayor. Did anyone see Mayor Davis in the picture from the White House, as the Braves visited President Biden, to celebrate their World Series win?
All this time people have been thinking he’s working at Georgia Tech and really he’s…Here I go getting ahead of myself again.
Michael Meyers is a columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Michael.meyers@theaugustapress.com
