Augusta, GA

Augusta mayor pushes plan to give him a vote on commission

Published

2 years ago

February 26, 2023

Augusta mayor pushes plan to give him a vote on commission

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Mayor Garnett Johnson stated Thursday he desires voters to determine on a plan to offer him a full vote at Augusta Fee conferences.

Proper now, he can solely vote to interrupt a tie.

The plan to vary town constitution emerged earlier this week, and Johnson held a information convention on it Thursday afternoon.

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Mayor Garnett Johnson stated Thursday he desires voters to determine on a plan to offer him a full vote at Augusta Fee conferences.

He launched a letter requesting that the Richmond County legislative delegation help a invoice to carry a referendum on the matter. Along with Johnson, the letter was signed by fee members Alvin Mason, Brandon Garrett, Catherine Smith McKnight, Sean Frantom, and Wayne Guilfoyle.

That request was learn for the primary time Thursday within the Common Meeting, assigned to a committee, and labeled Senate Invoice 231.

The decision wouldn’t create a “sturdy mayor” type of authorities or take energy away from the fee, however quite give the mayor a vote equal to that of the ten district commissioners, stated a press release from the mayor’s workplace.

Johnson believes a “sturdy mayor” authorities “may be counterproductive to every thing he’s attempting to attain and will elevate issues about future mayors,” stated the assertion.

AT THE AUGUSTA COMMISSION THIS WEEK:

Metropolis leaders approve funds for everlasting lights on Greene Road
Metropolis approves $850K to repair restrooms at Diamond Lakes Park

“This isn’t an ask for expanded powers or authority over the Metropolis Administrator or some other personnel,” the assertion stated. “That is merely an ask for a extra balanced construction of energy which Mayor Johnson believes will assist get issues accomplished for our constituents.”

The plan emerged not lengthy after an abstention throughout a fee assembly prevented a tie, thus retaining Johnson from voting on a plan to resume an ambulance contract with Gold Cross Emergency Medical Service.

He stated coordinated efforts like this to forestall the mayor from voting “severely hampers our capability to make progress in our metropolis.”

“We’ve all of the challenges of issues that influence the well being and security of our constituents like ambulance service. But we’re deadlocked on a few of the easiest issues. I consider that this referendum, if authorised by the voters, or a minimum of given to the voters, offers us a chance to make efficient change,” stated Johnson.

Senate Invoice 231 was launched Thursday by state Sen. Max Burns, R-Sylvania, and Rep. Mark Newton, R-Augusta.

“The good folks of Augusta ought to have the ability to determine what’s finest for them as a collective, which will probably be accomplished democratically by means of a vote on a poll,” Burns stated.

The invoice has been assigned to the Senate Committee on State and Native Governments. You possibly can learn the total textual content of the invoice right here: https://www.legis.ga.gov/laws/64704.

Augusta voters might have a say on the problem as early as November.

Earlier than we get there, the invoice must move by means of the Common Meeting and make its technique to Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk for signature.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta mayor set to deliver 2025 State of the City address

Published

4 hours ago

January 19, 2025

Press Room

Augusta mayor set to deliver 2025 State of the City address

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – On Tuesday, Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson will deliver the 2025 State of the City address.

It will be held at the Lee N. Beard Commission Chamber, located at 535 Telfair Street, at 12 p.m.

The address will be delivered prior to the Augusta Commission meeting.

Officials say it will highlight Augusta-Richmond County’s accomplishments from 2024 and will outline initiatives planned for 2025.

The address is free and will be open to the public. It will also be live streamed for those unable to attend in-person.

Officials say the Office of the Mayor is monitoring the possibility of inclement weather.

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Augusta, GA

Crews prepare highways as CSRA braces for winter weather — again

Published

11 hours ago

January 19, 2025

Press Room

Crews prepare highways as CSRA braces for winter weather — again

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Winter weather could be heading towards the CSRA again, and the Georgia Department of Transportation says they are preparing for it.

GDOT says they are actively preparing and coordinating brine operations, equipment and materials to respond to the pending threat by treating hundreds of interstate and state route lane miles across the state.

Officials with GDOT say, unlike last week’s winter storm, this one has the potential to impact central Georgia′s entire 27-county area.

Because of the large area that could be impacted, G-DOT says treatment plans are being driven by priority.

Prior to the weather system’s arrival, crews will apply brine solutions to interstates, state routes, bridges, and overpasses in anticipation of freezing rain, sleet, ice, and snow.

Brine is a solution of salt and water used to decrease the probability of freezing under certain conditions.

GDOT crews are scheduled to begin brine operations on Sunday at 7 a.m. GDOT maintenance forces will begin by bringing I-20, I-520, and I-16. A GDOT contractor will focus on high-priority, multi-lane state routes.

Augusta, GA

Jags stay atop the PBC with win over Georgia Southwestern

Published

19 hours ago

January 19, 2025

Press Room

Jags stay atop the PBC with win over Georgia Southwestern

Augusta, GA – The Augusta men’s basketball team continued their strong start in Peach Belt Conference play, securing a 77-69 victory over Georgia Southwestern on Saturday evening at Christenberry Fieldhouse. With the win, Augusta improves to 11-5 overall and 5-1 in the PBC, while Georgia Southwestern drops to 6-10 and 0-6 in league play. Augusta (11-5, 5-1 Peach Belt) FG% 49.1 3PT% 27.3 FT% 81.5 Georgia Southwestern (6-10, 0-6 Peach Belt) FG% 38.3 3PT% 18.2 FT% 63.6 The Jaguars set the tone early, taking a 35-32 lead into halftime behind a balanced offensive effort. In the second half, Augusta maintained…

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