I think that the majority of Augustans — including myself — believe that neighborhoods should stay together.
I’m referencing the redistricting, the potential slicing and dicing and the possibility of some communities feeling they will be have no representation following the new county layout.
My last column drew some fire — not because I was wrong but because I had a few friends who wanted to make sure I had a clear understanding of what was happening. Sean Mooney, local business owner and former Commission candidate, gave me tons of research on this topic.
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Let me just say this: he did his homework before he called to fuss. He told me that Precincts 306, 308, 309 & 310 grew 30.41% (5,870 people) since 2010. This number blew me out of the water, considering we didn’t grow that much overall as a county since then. That’s because many people hightailed it to Columbia County.
Our conversation led me to think that there are more than the 5,000 people we need to redistrict in District 3. The question I had for him was, but where do they come from? Mooney stated, “Most of the growth is in the west end of the district. Those precincts could benefit by unifying with surrounding districts that share similar community interests.”
That’s when I reached out to my Summerville connection, David Dunagan. He had a similar thought in a letter he shared with me. I will be paraphrasing some of this. It went like, “The Summerville Neighborhood Association strongly opposes the current draft of the plan. Leave all those areas – Summerville, Forest Hills and the adjoining neighborhoods alone. The residents are like-minded, share the same values and even work together to provide things that directly affect their community, in security they pay for, trainings and neighborhood watches for example.”
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Dunagan also help me to understand that the neighborhoods also have to navigate through a lot of historic guidelines as far as renovations are concerned. It’s just easier dealing with one commissioner regarding this and knowing that this person understands them and can advocate for them.
He continued by letting me know that those neighborhoods and areas that are out around Gordon Highway have seen the most growth, and they are similar in makeup. The best solution would be to figure out how to keep these areas together and use them to make up the gaps or shortfalls in the number of people that some other districts may have lost. Overall, I can say that I understand the argument, and I believe that you should not break up neighborhoods. The only concern I have is this: If there is not a solution soon enough, we may end up with the Justice Department making the decision for us, and we all remember how that turned out for us last time.
You have to spend money to make money… Or at least break even
Just to make it known, I think we need a new or improved JBA. I believe that is the consensus of most of Augusta. I don’t necessarily like the location, but it is what it is. The issue most people are having is how to pay for it. The increase on property tax is the major issue for most people.
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Again, as stated last week: if we build it, they will come. There are avenues to ensure funding once we get past this hurdle. Now let me say this: I believe 100% in the Augusta Economic Development Authority and its ability to deliver for this area. Under the leadership of Cal Wray and the current chairman Steven Kendrick, members have proven themselves as the foremost provider of deliverables for this area.
Speaking of delivering for this area, I’ve read the commentary as it relates to the AU and the sports program. AU is a national example of what colleges strive to be. This little bump in the road is just that, a bump. Let’s not make a mountain out of a molehill. Let’s continue to support our community university.
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Another mayoral announcement
Local businessman Garnett Johnson made his formal announcement this week that he intends to run for mayor in this upcoming election.
Johnson “spared no expense,” having that corner painted green and blue with plenty of his employees and some locals there to show their support. No surprise about the makeup of the crowd because he has been making his way around town. Now, we are looking for the beef. Maybe that will come later, as he’s been shaking babies and kissing hands — you’ll get that later.
I wanted to make sure I mentioned it here because I didn’t see any news coverage about it. I’m sure as this race picks up and we have a few more announcements, you will definitely see the enthusiasm for all candidates increase. The mayoral race will be interesting; however, I’m really excited to hear about all the people who are considering a run for County Commission. Those races truly hold the balance of power as it relates to things getting done in our county government, like the issue with redistricting for the people in the 3rd.
There is a tremendous possibility for a shift in power as it relates to knowing which way votes may swing. I believe the most watched races will be District 6 and District 10. There have been no formal announcements for 10, but in my eyes, John Clarke has made himself a formidable candidate. He has, by all accounts, made himself a commissioner who helps people.
I make that point because just this week, I had a long-time friend remind me of how Commissioner Clarke helped with their event. Clarke’s only “problem” is that some commissioners say he talks to the TV cameras too much. He always references being transparent, which I believe is important. Maybe he should consider radio — his face would be much better for that anyway. (That’s an inside joke for him and me, which I’m sure will lead to him calling me and giving me a piece of his mind).
District 2 doesn’t get much talk as of right now; anything is better than what they currently have.
Budget talks are still in full force. The city administrator cutting the My Brother’s Keeper funding is interesting, considering all the side chatter. People have been mad about it, so they get rid of it. Simple enough? Just move the money that was already in the budget and put it inside the mayor’s office so he could have all the staffing he needs. I mean, someone has to be there, as he is interviewed and vetted for his upcoming cabinet appointment. I think it’s pretty awesome our mayor becoming the… Well, here I go getting ahead of myself again.
Michael Meyers is a Columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Michael.meyers@theaugustapress.com
