Augusta’s Charter Review Committee has two more new faces, both sworn in Wednesday after last week’s commission elections. Superior Court Judge Charles Lyons administered the oaths to former Waynesboro police chief Augustus Palmer III and developer Eric Gaines.
Five of 11 seats have turned over
The committee, appointed by the mayor and ten commissioners and charged with recommending changes to Augusta’s charter, has now seen five of its 11 members replaced since April. Members have stepped down for work, personal or election related reasons.
Palmer replaces Wimberly
Commissioner Francine Scott appointed Palmer to replace Lonnie Wimberly, who won last week’s special election for the District 4 seat on the Augusta Commission. The commission prohibited current or former elected officials from serving on the charter committee.
Palmer was Scott’s nominee to serve as interim commissioner when Alvin Mason resigned from District 4, but the commission instead voted in charter committee Vice Chairman Tanya Barnhill Turnley. As a result, Barnhill Turnley stepped down from the committee but then lost last week’s special election to Wimberly.
Scott said Palmer brings extensive government experience and collaboration skills. She added that he is already familiar with the challenges and concerns facing the committee.
Gaines becomes third District 4 representative
Wimberly appointed Gaines as the third person to represent District 4, replacing Barnhill Turnley’s previous appointment, Robert France. Gaines, an Army veteran with an MBA, has spoken out at both charter and commission meetings. His Gaines Capital Investments is the listed owner of about a dozen properties around Augusta.
Other replacement appointments
Three additional members have been named to replace predecessors who stepped down. Sheffie Robinson replaced Paine College President Lester McCorn, who resigned due to time constraints.
In District 5, Commissioner Don Clark appointed Clint Bryant after Marvin Cole stepped down. In District 6, Commissioner Tony Lewis appointed Frank Lewis to replace Virginia Cody after her resignation.
Committee meets today
The Charter Review Committee meets at 10 a.m. this morning in the commission chamber at Augusta Municipal Building. At 1:30 p.m., the committee will hold a working session in Room 492 of the building.
