AUGUSTA, Ga () – The Charter Review Committee is in the process of detailing how it will conduct its task. On Thursday night, residents of Augusta had the chance to express their views on the process and share their expectations.
Dozens of people attended the meeting at the Municipal building to either ask the committee questions or just give their input.
At the meeting, a PowerPoint presentation outlined the charter review committee’s process, explaining what a charter is and discussing different forms of government.
Krista Gentry – who recently moved to Augusta asked what the current government of Augusta is.
One of the committee members answered using who the administrator reports to as an example.
“The answer was the mayor and the commission. One of our committee members asked, ‘you report to 11 people?’ and that is indeed the case. It’s similar to having Thanksgiving dinner without a head chef, with everyone bustling around in a cramped space,” said Marcie Wilhelmi, a member of the Augusta-Richmond County Charter Review Committee.
Former commissioner, Moses Todd, has been critical of the committee.
“Observing the committee, it seems that some think that the committee is a shattered government, for the commission. I would like for you to focus more on where there’s a need to revise or amend the charter, or a need for charter changes,” said Todd.
Another former commissioner is concerned about changing the form government without a super majority.
“I mean that’s just a fact. Federal level, state level as well as local government, it’s in our consolidation. We’re asking you all to do the same, because like Ms. Baker was saying, it calls for liberation, you’re going to force feed the rest of your committee members, the community at the end of the day is going to feel the same way,” said Ben Hasan, Augusta Resident.
If you would like to learn more about the Charter Review Committee or let them know any of your concerns, you can find the link here:
