AUGUSTA, Ga. () – Mayor Garnett Johnson was the force behind reviewing the city charter, but he knows it hasn’t been smooth sailing.
“I anticipated this process would be highly emotional and filled with conflicts, and indeed, it is. Emotions and disputes are prevalent in our government, so I didn’t expect this process to be any different,” stated Mayor Johnson.
The Charter Review Committee has lost faith from some in the community and from some commissioners.
“There’s been a lack of transparency and honesty regarding the committee’s actions, and we must seriously consider the future we envision for Augusta,” commented Commissioner Jordan Johnson.
Recent meetings have been contentious. There’s infighting and members are saying the group isn’t making progress.
The committee is getting some advice.
“Work together more efficiently instead of what I’m hearing this tit for tat, and we don’t want that,” said Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice.
Some say it’s time for the committee to move in a new direction.
“Our goals could have been achieved without establishing another political group. Currently, we need to determine the committee’s next steps,” mentioned Commissioner Jordan Johnson.
The mayor believes the committee needs to say the course.
“I urge the committee to persist in their efforts. Our community requires it, Augusta needs it, and it is essential for our future. We will assign them the task of continuing their work,” said Mayor Johnson.
The committee is only making recommendations. Any changes approved by state lawmakers will have to be decided by voters.
