Augusta Struggles to Name Permanent City Administrator
Augusta, GA – Well, it looks like the hunt for a permanent city administrator in Augusta is going to take a little longer. After a special meeting was called to address the issue, a twist of fate left the city without a decision yet again. It’s been a whopping seven months since the Augusta commissioners last attempted to fill this crucial position, and once more, they found themselves unable to move forward.
Empty Chairs and Political Tensions
The meeting, held this past Tuesday, was intended to nail down who would take on the mantle of city administrator. However, only five out of the necessary eight commissioners showed up, preventing any formal votes from taking place. The lack of a quorum left empty chairs glaring down from the dais as those present expressed their frustration. District 3 Commissioner Catherine Smith Mcknight didn’t hold back her disappointment, saying, “You see five empty chairs up there today on that dais. There can be no representation if no one shows up.”
A Divided Commission
Those present speculated about the reasons behind the absences. Some suggested that the absent commissioners were playing “political football,” opting out of crucial discussions on purpose. In contrast, the no-shows defended themselves, claiming they wanted to avoid “back door politics.” One of the missing members, Commissioner Jordan Johnson, cited work commitments as his reason for not attending, while District 7 Commissioner Sean Frantom voiced frustration about the situation, saying, “I think that speaks volumes.”
Mixed Reactions from Attendees
During the meeting, two additional commissioners, Francine Scott and Tony Lewis, arrived late but did not participate in voting, creating an atmosphere filled with tension and disappointment. While Scott left early, Lewis stayed only briefly and departed just as the decision-making was attempted again. It was a chaotic scene, leaving many feeling that the commission’s governance was being overshadowed by personal politics.
Revisiting the Candidates
The finalists in the running for the city administrator position were Interim Administrator Takiyah Douse and IT Director Tameka Allen. Despite their qualifications, neither candidate could get the support needed due to the lack of voting members present. Commissioner Alvin Mason, who recently returned after surgery, voiced a need for decisive leadership, stating, “Leaders and leadership mean that you have to step out of your comfort zone and make tough decisions.”
Future Meetings and Possible Changes
The situation is looking a bit bleak for those hoping to see a permanent appointment soon, but there is a glimmer of hope. The commission plans to reconvene next Tuesday to give this issue another go. In addition, there’s talk about reviewing the city charter, and one of the proposals floating around is whether to lower the number of votes required to move forward. While the interest in changing that threshold is there, it’s yet to be seen whether it will gain serious traction.
A Community Conundrum
As this saga unfolds, the residents of Augusta may be left wondering about the impact on their community. The lack of consistent leadership at the top can often lead to stagnation in city services, and many are eager for the commission to step up its game. As frustrations grow, it’s crucial for the city leaders to recognize the need for collaboration and commitment to make timely decisions.
As the week goes on, we’ll be sure to keep our eye on the developments out of Augusta, hoping that next week brings a resolution to this ongoing situation. Will the commissioners finally be able to agree? Or will we find ourselves back here again? Only time will tell!
