Augusta lost its ranking as the second largest city in Georgia, though that depends on who you are talking to. That shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, especially with the, for lack of better words, constant media blast/commercials to support the growth efforts in Columbia County.
An article in The Augusta Press stated that Columbia County has grown 26% since 2010. That is tremendous. One question I have is: how many of those people work in Augusta? Let me help you with that, a great number of people that live in Columbia County WORK in Augusta.
More from Michael Meyers: On Mask Mandates, Redistricting and the Judicial Split
It’s known in most circles, that some major employers, including Fort Gordon and others, push their incoming families to move to places like Evans, Martinez and Grovetown. Truth be told, a lot of the persuasion to locate in Columbia County comes from the real estate agents who tell their clients that Augusta is not a good place to live or raise a family.
Now, I don’t have a gripe about Columbia County. I love the progressiveness and the forward thinking that seems so apparent as they do things to enhance the county. However the truth remains–there would be no Columbia County if there was no Augusta. I mean, where would the people work? Amazon? Remember Amazon is a work in progress. WHERE do the majority of Columbia County residents work? Maybe we can answer that question in a future article.
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In other news, I’m excited to announce that Lori Myles will be entering the 10th District Commission race. Well, she has not formally announced, but I am sure it is coming. I mean–when hasn’t she run?
She is similar to the guy I mentioned last week who has announced his intention to run for mayor. Let me have a side bar conversation to say this: I applaud anyone who is willing to give up of their time to offer themselves up for public service.
Speaking of public service, Michael Galluci is the candidate who is seeking a seat on the school board. In case you need a refresher on who he is, he is the white member of the Augusta NAACP who presented a resolution to the commission insisting they do something about racial healing and unity. Which didn’t get very far–can’t imagine why not.
My thoughts on the vaccine incentive. Let me preface my statement by saying this: I believe the vaccines save lives. That’s been proven. Do I think we should pay people to take the vaccine? NO! I believe that people should be responsible enough for their own lives to want to do something to help themselves and help others.
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Do I believe the incentive will be encouraging–YES. Sometimes we have to do things outside the box that will prompt people to action. This is that sometime. Now, I believe there are somethings that can be done a little differently. Maybe a little tweaking. You want to know my idea? Sure I’ll tell you.
I believe we should work with local companies to match–so, maybe do a lunch gift card for anyone that gets vaccinated. Have local places match that gift so we double the number. Then, with the other $500,000, do 50 drawings of $10,000 each. That way the previously vaccinated and the newly vaccinated can all take part in this. It can seem unfair if we only do stuff for the people who were not initially responsible. So, let’s give everyone at least a chance to win, right? Now wouldn’t that be a great community morale booster. You can think me later for the idea.
Let’s finally get around to these questions that I have received. Please don’t forget to send in a question or two, and I will try to respond to at least one a week in my column.
The first question comes from a very familiar name: “Who do I believe will win the mayor’s race?”
Well, let me first say thank you for not asking me who do I think should win the mayor’s race. Because who should win, compared to who will win, could possibly be two different answers. Augusta rule of thought is the basis of the previous statement: usually the person who comes in second wins the run-off.
If things continue like they are now, there will be a run-off. If two of the potential “real” candidates drop out, I could possibly see Kendrick winning without a run-off. Say what you want–he is the Unannounced front runner, and rightfully so.
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He is and has been involved in the community, he is a vocal leader (remember the mail-out saying what the commissioners don’t do), and he has done an outstanding job bringing that Tax Commissioner’s Office into the 21st century. The only issue he runs into is what I like to refer to as the Marion Factor. The question is,will he run? Or maybe he’s just warming things up for Bobby Williams–oops did I mention him again?
Speaking of Bobby, he is the board president of Medical Associates. I was blessed to be part of their ceremony last week when they honored the Legend Quincy Murphy. If you don’t know the link, take a moment and contact Commissioner Williams and let him tell you that story. It will bring tears to your eyes. If you have no clue what Medical Associates is, you are behind the curve and need to look them up. With 11 local offices and services offer to anyone, especially the underserved, they are leading the way in taking care of our community.
More from Michael Meyers: So Much To Talk About
Let me mention this other hidden gem – NukNuk’s on Milledgeville Road. I’m sitting in here as I finish my column. It’s a locally owned restaurant, and they specialize in deep fried ribs. If you have never had a deep fried rib, you are surely missing a treat. Just go by and tell them you read Mike’s column, and you want the fried ribs. Then just thank me later.
Ok, only one question answered. We will try again next week to get to a few more questions. In the meantime, you think about the upcoming lawsuit the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is about to undertake and who can possibly fill this legislative seat after redistricting and a run for a judgeship….Oops–always getting ahead of myself.
Michael Meyers is a Columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Michael.meyers@theaugustapress.com.
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