Voters head to the polls on Tuesday, April 27 to vote for mayor and three council seats.
Briton Williams is the Republican candidate in the mayor’s race.
On how the final days of campaigning are going, he said, “Going good, doing more door knocking than in the primary.”
He said potential voters have been responding well to him.
MORE: Briton Williams – North Augusta Candidate for Mayor
One of the biggest challenges winners of the city races will face is the future of Riverside Village and 13 properties that went to a tax sale in November 2020 for unpaid taxes. Six properties went to private bidders, and the remaining seven went to North Augusta’s Forfeited Land Commission. Most of the property owners use the address for Greenstone, the Atlanta developer for the project. The original owners have until November 2021 to pay the taxes and penalties to redeem the properties.
Williams said he is not included in the executive sessions where the current mayor and council members receive updates on the status of the properties, but he praised City Administrator Jim Clifford for watching over what is happening. Williams said he is certain current leaders are not waiting until this November to begin planning for the future of the project.
“That property on the river is valuable,” Williams said.
Asked how his first 100 days in office would look, Williams said he had a list, including a return to study sessions on Mondays, when council meetings are not scheduled. He wants to have a “public power hour” before the first regular council meeting every month so people can talk with council about any topic or concern. He also would have “Meet the Mayor” sessions scheduled across all areas of North Augusta.
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Williams said communication is essential.
“This is a community where we really can work together, where citizens have trust,” he said.
Williams will face Democratic candidate Richard Adams in the Tuesday election.
Williams has not returned phone calls seeking an interview. He did consent to an interview before the primary election earlier this year, and the it can be viewed here.
The interview with Williams, conducted at the same time, can be viewed here.
In addition to the mayor’s race, four candidates running for three at-large seats on the City Council.
MORE: Richard Adams – North Augusta Candidate for Mayor
Incumbent Republican David McGhee is running for his third term, and incumbent Republican Pat Carpenter is running for her eighth term.
Republican newcomer Jenafer McCauley and Democratic newcomer Trina Mackie are running for the opening created when current Councilman Fletcher Dickert announced he would not seek reelection.
Current Mayor Robert Pettit is also not seeking reelection.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a staff reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
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