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.
