AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Mayor Garnett Johnson is making his case for reelection, pointing to economic growth and new investments as evidence he deserves four more years leading Augusta-Richmond County.

Johnson sat down with WRDW as part of a series featuring all four candidates in the mayoral race.

The incumbent launched his reelection bid with three promises: more economic growth, smarter spending and a government that delivers results.

“Growing our economic opportunities through jobs and investments, growing our population, growing our housing inventory,” Johnson said.

New employers and bipartisan funding

Johnson pointed to new investments including incoming employers like Aurubis and NetJets. He also credited a bipartisan approach to securing funding from both the Biden and Kemp administrations.

“My only fight is Augusta’s fight, so you let the Democrats and Republicans and Independents fight the battles in Atlanta and in Washington,” Johnson said. “My only fight is making sure that we secure the funding to make sure that Augusta continues to grow and to thrive.”

SPLOST 9 and Riverwalk improvements

Johnson discussed SPLOST 9, which he said combines lifestyle options and basic infrastructure. The package includes critical needs for the sheriff’s office, addressing concerns around the safety and condition of the jail.

“Those that are housed in our jail are considered innocent until found guilty,” Johnson said.

The plan also includes reimagining the Riverwalk.

“The Riverwalk is actually our front door and our living room. As people come to visit, the first place they want to see is the Riverwalk,” Johnson said.

The project would also address the boathouse, which is currently abandoned and not open to the public. Johnson said the goal is to open it for wedding anniversaries, wedding receptions, graduation parties and family reunions.

COVID rental assistance issues

Johnson’s tenure has faced challenges, including more than six million dollars in federal COVID rental assistance funds that were not distributed as intended. The money was meant to help Augusta families pay rent and utilities.

Johnson said the accounting issues occurred prior to his administration, but his office uncovered the problems.

“We’re changing that. We’re exposing things that should have been exposed years ago,” Johnson said. “We have the administrator’s office as well as the commission and the mayor’s office that’s working through all of these issues that have been underlying issues that have not been made apparent to the public that we’re now addressing.”

Johnson said he called for federal agencies to investigate to ensure proper transparency and accountability.

“This was a time and an opportunity for us to help a lot of families that were struggling as a result of COVID and a result of losing jobs and wages,” Johnson said. “For more than six million dollars not to be used in that manner is certainly a travesty, and it should never have happened.”

The city anticipates submitting an audit in early May before the June deadline, which will also include the 2025 audit to get the city back in compliance with state grants.

Fiscal responsibility and governance

Johnson said he stands on the side of the taxpayer and has delivered fiscal responsibility in his own department, returning thousands of dollars to the general fund each year.

“What we have to do is we just have to tighten our belts and find out where there’s opportunities to create more efficiencies in our departments and deliver those savings to the taxpayer.”

Johnson said he will not be a mayor that raises taxes or fails to control spending.

On governance structure, Johnson said voters in 2024 gave the mayor an equal vote. He said the current structure requires six votes to get anything done among 10 commissioners, a mayor and a city administrator.

“Someone ultimately has to be in charge to make the day-to-day decisions as it relates to this governance, and I believe that person should be a professional manager,” Johnson said.

Johnson said any charter review process should engage the voters of Augusta-Richmond County to decide their future and how to move the city forward.

The D.C. Council approved a permanent youth curfew in an 8-5 vote on Tuesday. The bill grants Mayor Muriel Bowser or the D.C. police chief broad authority to establish curfew zones that can begin as early as 8 p.m. FOX 5 D.C.’s Tom Fitzgerald has the latest.