We have always had a significant need for good, creative, progressive leadership – did I mention good local governmental leaders became super clear last year as the pandemic unfolded right in front of our eyes? Even though COVID-19 was a global issue– each state and local leadership was tasked with creating plans. Brian Kemp initially didn’t call for any closures, which immediately made our mayor a national name as he took great shots at the governor, each night on every national news outlet that would provide him with a forum.
Eventually, Kemp caved in, and Davis was able to tout his great success – or on all other accounts lay groundwork for his potential state run. This coming, after no cabinet appointment or declining the potential for an appointment, to prepare to take care of the people of Georgia.
MORE: Michael Meyers on Georgia’s Election Reform Law
Circumstances dictated that we were really left to depend on the local leadership to provide guidance, assistance and assurances as we prepared for the unknown. The pandemic for a lot of places wasn’t tough as the majority of communities- all had relied on their local leadership, for leadership.
However, in some cases listening to the majority of citizens, there was a lot left to be desired. Some feel the ball was dropped on numerous occasions, They even feel as if some never got in the game. But truth be told this was a new ballgame for everyone.
As we look to the upcoming elections – the matches are being set, names are being tossed around and there are lots of people who feel we must do better. Next year’s election cycle will see some new names and some familiar names coming back.
At the end of the day, I believe what we want more than anything is great leadership, accountability, dependability, transparency and progressiveness. The day of the politician only shaking hands is over, and if you can’t even post of social media, you need to give it a rest!
[adrotate banner=”19″]
We mentioned potential candidates for mayor in the past and it seems since then more people are considering it. The recent confirmation of Steven Kendrick running for mayor came as no surprise, as his name had been tossed around since the beginning. I have heard that Pastor Yvett Davis will not be seeking her husband’s seat – this is probably because she will have to be with him most of the time as he travels the state raising money and campaigning.
Trustee Charlie Hannah has thrown his hat in that ring, along with Dennis Williams and now I’m being told Marion Williams. Hannah could essentially run for mayor and not give up his seat since his board race is in November; however, he will have at least one challenger in Jo’rae Jenkins. In my eyes, Dennis Williams and Marion Williams should not consider it. They probably won’t ever see this column since it is on the internet and requires using a computer.
Let me make sure to mention Deke Copenhaver and Brad Usry as their names keep coming up. The newest name being pushed around is Garnett Johnson and he is pretty familiar name in the downtown world and local business world, but will that be enough? Maybe he can get some tips from Larry Sconyers about being a businessman turned mayor.
The Commission races should be even more interesting- considering there are several seats open and several potential candidates. Districts 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 are all open, and three of them will get new commissioners regardless as the current ones are termed out.
Dennis Williams will leave District 2, and he has people who already have signs and ready to run. A political neophyte who name has emerged is Ralph Gunter, a retired firefighter and all-around good guy. Jenkins’s name was tossed around here for a while; however never got the footing needed. I’m sure she quickly decided to run for school board.
Von Pouncey has stated to some she would run and the first question for most is – didn’t you just run for District One? Not to mention the Rev. Larry Fryer who has thrown his name is the hat. I believe the most notable potential announcement for this seat is Corey Johnson, but that is only if he is convinced not to run for mayor.
District 4 is also opening as Sammie Sias has to leave and return to the bunker. The immediate talk is that the lady who almost beat him Betty Reese will be the front runner, however that is only if she can take a break from pushing the investigation. The name that is ringing more bells than any in that area is Board Member Wayne Frazier.
People for some reason in the past just like people who make noise – Marion, Fennoy, Frazier, Dennis. I think now we are getting people who want action. Frazier is a potential front runner if he decides to run and if retired Major and local business owner Nesia Wideman Wright doesn’t run. She would be a fresh young face – with tons of community investment. She owns the local women’s professional basketball team.
[adrotate banner=”23″]
District 6 hasn’t had a lot of buzz yet. Neither has District 8, but we all know, it will be nearly impossible to beat Brandon Garrett out there. He actually works. I also believe that most people in District 6 wish Ben Hasan could stay eight more years.
District 10 race will be interesting because Commissioner John Clark is not on anyone’s list – good or bad. He will draw competition from a field of do-gooders. That district is probably the most diverse being an almost 50-50 split demographically.
Finally, the school board races have the potential for crowding and outing. As people will be vying for as precious mentioned District 2. On that list also are 3 and 9 to mention a few. District 3 will draw some of the same contenders from before and especially those that ran in the most recent District 10 race.
District 9 will be hot and heavy as people run to unseat longtime member Venus Cain. She is a staple on that board and generally they are hunted – especially from people within the Frazier camp, who just don’t like her.
MORE: Michael Meyers on Crime Reform in Augusta
What is stated more often than not is the reason why people are running to unseat some of the old faces is to get rid of the school boards two bosses. Attorney Pete Fletcher and Superintendent Bradshaw, who for all accounts direct the school board, like Sarge directed the band. Quite a few people feel that it is time to spread the school board money around a bit especially as it relates to legal work.
At the end of it all, there will be some new faces to take the places of people who are leaving and some that need to leave. Now let’s talk about the civil war that is about to take place in Columbia County when Natalie Paine and Bobby Christine both apply for the newly created DA’s position and we get to see which crowd the governor really likes. Oops, that’s an article for another week.
Michael Meyers is a Columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Michael.meyers@theaugustapress.com.
[adrotate banner=”45″]
