Augusta charter review committee clashes over two-thirds vote to recommend changes
Share this @internewscast.com

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – “Because you are in violation of law.”

A former commissioner accused the Charter Committee of acting unconstitutionally and some committee members are discouraged.

“I’m not sure people recall the last time a charter review occurred and led to nothing. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if we encounter the same issue,” committee member Sheffie Robinson stated.

A proposal was made to impose that any suggested charter amendments require a two-thirds majority, or eight votes, for approval—the same supermajority necessary to propose amendments to both the state and U.S. constitutions—which ultimately failed with a 7 to 4 vote.

“One faction within the committee holds those votes, so they aren’t compelled to negotiate, listen, or take any actions. They can simply select whatever they prefer,” said committee member Angela Bakos.

Opponents of the two-thirds majority vote say after months of work the committee is not making progress.

“If we’re going to make recommendations to improve the government of Augusta, we need to get this train on the tracks and rolling,” said committee member Lee Powell.

But former Commissioner Moses Todd says the committee is derailing by not following the law.

“That violates the Georgia State Constitution and federal constitution and general law. It’s null and voided, so it was ridiculous that they even voted on it,” said Todd.

 

“If we are going to do that, you may as well fold up the government because nothing is going to get accomplished,” said committee Chair Marcie Wilhelmi.

Any recommendations the committee makes will need to be approved by the legislature and Augusta voters, so will this vote harm the public’s acceptance of the committee’s work.

“I think a two-thirds vote would offer legitimacy,” said Bakos.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Schumer Urges RFK Jr. to Announce Measles Crisis

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) called on Health and Human Services…

Two Arrested in Bulloch County Drug Raid, Half-Pound of Fentanyl Pills Seized

The Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office in Statesboro, Georgia, wrapped up their week…

FDA Grants Full Approval to Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine for Children

(NewsNation) — Moderna announces it has received full approval from the U.S.…

The State Department is letting go of more than 1,300 staff as part of a strategy from the Trump administration.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) The U.S. State Department is firing more than…

Ongoing Efforts to Find Flood Victims and Solutions in Central Texas

() The search for victims continues in central Texas as residents work…

Former Jersey City Police Officer Faces Charges for Misconduct in Office

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A former officer from the Johnson City…

UPDATE: Harmful Algae Bloom Renders Mattoon Tap Water Unsafe, Poses Health Risks

Update at 7:30 p.m. MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — The entire City of…

San Diego Renters Embrace ‘Speed Roommating’ Amid Rising Rent

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) Since last year, rent rates increased by 4.1% in…

Dramatic Transformation Revealed in Satellite Images of Texas Flooding

() As recovery efforts in central Texas continued Wednesday in the aftermath…

Trump Allocates FEMA Funds for Severe Flooding While Agency’s Future Remains Uncertain

Tampa, Fla. (WFLA) — President Donald Trump has consistently stated his intention…

Inmates Report Unsanitary Conditions with Worms in Food and Sewage by Beds at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Facility

MIAMI – There have been reports of worms found in the food,…

South Carolina Man Convicted in Connection to 2023 Hotel Shooting Death

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – A South Carolina man was found guilty in…