Augusta’s City Government Set for a Change
In the lively city of Augusta, exciting developments are brewing within the city government. Tensions have simmered for weeks, but two commissioners have now expressed their willingness to back a candidate for city administrator. This candidate, Tameka Allen, currently serving as the city’s chief information officer, is poised to step into this vital role soon.
A Political Shift?
Commissioners Jordan Johnson and Tony Lewis are ready to set aside some of their reservations and support Allen, despite their previous preferences. Both have raised concerns about the ongoing political rifts, but they seem to believe it’s time to prioritize progress over rivalry. “I believe that we have to get past the unnecessary political divisions,” said Johnson, standing firm in optimism about Allen’s capabilities.
Mayor Garnett Johnson only needs one more commissioner to join the majority in order to ratify Allen’s appointment. Interestingly, the city’s charter empowers him by allowing the mayor to recommend an administrator candidate, which then requires a six-vote yes from the eleven-member commission.
Background of the Candidate
Tameka Allen brings a wealth of experience to this potential new role. She has been a lifelong employee of Augusta and served ten years as a deputy administrator under previous administrator Fred Russell. She even held the interim administrator position for a brief period after Russell was relieved of his duties in December 2013. The commissioners are confident that Allen will fulfill her commitments admirably, with Jordan Johnson stating, “Allen will do a good job.”
It’s worth noting that both Jordan Johnson and Tony Lewis had previously supported another candidate, Douse. The feelings around Douse’s involvement seem to be tied to the political dynamics of the past, with Jordan Johnson mentioning that “personal politics” were at play during her consideration. “My position on who I think is the best for the job has not changed,” Johnson added, showing his continued loyalty to Douse.
Next Steps for the Commission
With the political sands shifting, Tony Lewis is optimistic about the votes. He mentioned that getting Allen ratified is almost a certainty now, with six supporting votes seemingly secured. “It’s inevitable – they have the number now,” Lewis declared, suggesting that it’s only a matter of time before the commission makes a final decision.
He also believes there will be enough commissioners present at the upcoming vote. “I know that seven commissioners will be here this time, which isn’t what we saw last week,” he noted. This potential shift makes the anticipated 2 p.m. vote on Tuesday in the Lee Beard Commission Chamber a focal point for watchful residents.
Concerns Amidst Change
While the appointment of Allen appears imminent, Jordan Johnson remains uneasy about the city government’s overall direction. He expressed concern that decisions being made are increasingly favoring a singular political agenda that could set the stage for poor governmental choices. “This government is in the pregame for a really bad show,” he cautioned. His fears extend to the rumored rehiring of Russell as Allen’s deputy, labeling such a move as potentially detrimental to the municipality’s progress.
A Bright Future?
Tameka Allen, now 54, is a graduate of Savannah State University and holds a master’s degree in business administration from Augusta University, obtained in 2005. In contrast, her fellow candidate, Douse, 44, is a product of Paine College and also boasts advanced degrees in business and accounting.
As the commission gears up for their meeting this Tuesday, residents are left contemplating the transformation of their city government. It seems Augusta could be on the brink of a new chapter, one that involves Allen wielding influence right from the heart of the municipal building.
