Voters who live in the Augusta Judicial Circuit changed their history when they elected their judicial circuit’s first African-American district attorney in November.
Jared Williams’ bid to become the first African-American district attorney for the judicial circuit was a hot and heavily contested race that everyone in the Augusta Judicial Circuit watched closely. Just in case you have been living under a rock – the Augusta Judicial Circuit is a three-county circuit made up of Richmond, Columbia and Burke counties.
The circuit for many years has been scrutinized for the lack of diversity within its DA’s office. The small number of Black attorneys hired into that office has produced numerous stories and significant concern. I can only remember one or two African-American attorneys who have worked in the office, so for many, Williams’ election is considered a step to improving the diversity of the DA’s office.
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As we sat back and saw this election unfold in the hopes of there being greater diversity on the way….. less than a month after the election, we have Columbia County “all of a sudden” beginning talks of splitting away from the circuit.
Now, Columbia County states that this is something that has been brewing for a while, and perhaps it has been. I just don’t ever remember Columbia County being the aggressor. Former state Sen. Charles Walker many, many years ago brought up the idea of splitting the circuit, and current Sen. Harold Jones, the former county solicitor, has publicly advocated on many occasions for this very thing. Yet, the idea of a split was met with considerable backlash from the very people I see now “all of a sudden” wanting this divorce.
Speaking with Jones recently, I stated that Columbia County is ready and has always wanted this split; and he told me, “That is news to me.” He went on to say, “Where was this support when I brought it up in 2006?”
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So, why not split – you ask?
The common answers have always been UNITY and MONEY. A split would show that we had no unity – that’s a load of crap. We already have our own Sheriff’s Offices, Magistrate Courts, Probate Courts and Tax Commissioners – to name a few. Each county is separate and handles its own affairs. Actually, each county gets a little offended when politicians from outside their county begin to stick their nose in the other county’s business (Ask Rep. Jodi Lott; she tried to help with the Valor Station.) The fact that we have one DA who represents three counties or eight judges who represent three counties does not prove our communities are racially unified. Especially when it ain’t no BLACK FOLKS working in that office. On top of that, we only have one African-American superior court judge.
The other argument against splitting has been money. It will cost money to split; however, in order for us to be more efficient, in my eyes, money should not dictate whether we split. If that’s the case, we may be able to save money if we combine the Columbia County and Richmond County Sheriff’s Offices. We possibly could get a better deal on purchasing cars. If we really want to save, why doesn’t someone propose consolidating counties – now look at us really saving. THAT IDEA IS LUDICROUS!! But in my eyes, the cost factor is what really shows how lacking Columbia County’s argument is.
Which brings us to here – “all of a sudden.” Columbia County did some counting and discovered it could save money by splitting the circuit. Which could have been discovered when Sen. Jones presented the case for a split in 2006, but no one even took a look at the proposal.
“All of a sudden” – abracadabra – Columbia County can save $1 million if they leave now – don’t look back and GO…
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Which leaves me and 88,625 others with this question; did this financing become available because Columbia County no longer has control of the DA’s Office or because the demographics of the circuit have changed. If the ones calling for this divorce are able to save a million now, could they not have saved it prior to this election — back when the demographics and political ideology of the combined counties suggested a Democrat probably wouldn’t win the circuit.
So, let’s get this straight, Columbia County. When your people thought they would be in control it was okay not to split, but now that there is a brother in charge you want to…. UNFRIEND me? #wheretheydothatat
Understand this…. Richmond County and Columbia County are separate, full-grown counties, and I can definitely see reason to split. I can even see a reason to stay together – honestly. But what I want most at this time is for Columbia County to acknowledge the fact that “all of a sudden,” it’s a good idea. Let’s be open and transparent so that we can have real discussions and figure out the best options for all parties involved.
Until then – Columbia County, your slip is showing.
Michael Meyers is a Columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Michael.meyers@theaugustapress.com
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