8/21/12 - Mr. Paul Simon met with disgruntled citizens and attempted to explain away the history of the odd arrangements surrounding the City of Augusta partnership in the Downtown Riverfront Parking Garage contract.
Although his statements were accepted "as information" questions remain and a future meeting will hopefully satisfy all concerned. Let's hope that further investigation will lead to a speedy resolution so that the City can move onto other pressing concerns like helping our neighbors in Hyde Park relocate residents, aggressively advance Phase Two to prevent future flooding and announce a comprehensive plan to expand public transit in Augusta.
Speaking of transit, I look forward to hearing the follow up investigation into the reported abuse of cab companies who apparently have repeatedly been harassed by the City's Inspection employees. What's up with that? Stay tuned...
T-SPLOST Will Do Nothing to Improve Public Transportation
Although I was pleased to hear Commissioners Lockett and Mason's commitment to follow up on correcting the deficiencies of The Mobility Company's performance I want to make it crystal clear that Commissioner Joe Jackson, a member of the CSRA Regional roundtable misspoke if he thought that TSPLOST funds can be diverted to provide public transit services. The TSPLOST places a local sales tax upon us the consumer for a period of 10 years and will do nothing to improve public services. It will however provide for infrastructure needs (see the list) but I repeat will do nothing for public transit services that citizens in Augusta are begging to utilize. If you don't believe me ask former Commissioner Don Grantham.
Perhaps we might consider looking at the unspent revenues collected in 1991, 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2009 from past SPLOST initiatives and instead appropriate them to modernize and overhaul our transit system?
I still believe that bidding out the job and seeking a qualified Transportation Director will put Augusta on the path to expanding our system and better meeting our immediate and future public transit needs. Please consider investigating the possibilities so that we can be even better prepared to one day approach the long term goal of achieving long distance rail transportation which will link us to many important destinations in Georgia and bring jobs, services and opportunity for growth to our City and to its citizens. Amen and Thank you.
GHSU/ASU Merge
Talk of the merger between ASU and GHSU has already sent waves of jubilation throughout the community that anticipates such a move will signal that Augusta may soon be propelled into a level of recognition that is well deserved by both of these institutions.
Both entities have in the past proven their longstanding commitment to Augusta by offering academic opportunities at technically skilled, undergraduate and graduate levels. So why is the public holding back on giving this partnership it's blessing? Is there a lack of trust? Is it just too good to be true?
What Augustans want and need are more opportunities for our students young and non traditional to receive the training they need to follow a career path that will lead them to economic stability in their lives.
We want the satisfaction of our students receiving a top notch education that will translate into meaningful employment and yes pursuit of the American or not so American dream. If this partnership can boast this kind of outcome than we say, sign us up, but if it falls short in delivering we, parents, students and taxpayers will demand an explanation.
A Call for Equity on Both Land and Water
Congrats to our Riverkeeper and the City of Augusta for being able to find the funds to rid our River of those abandoned boats! Now let's think outside the box about how to rid ourselves of the neglected landbound properties in District One.
Transparency Under Siege
Why is Augusta government continuing to dismantle the very safeguards put in place to protect the best interest of its citizens? First, The Task Force for the Homeless, then the Human Relations Board and now The Housing Development's Advisory Council.
Democracy in Action
My response to those who considered the recent gathering at the Justice building to be a protest is that when people peaceably assemble for purposes of sharing the news of the day and encouraging residents to register to vote in order that their voices are heard it is more of a public service announcement and a call to action not a protest. Unless of course we are protesting voter apathy.
With apparently 50,000 unregistered voters in Richmond County I would certainly support such an event and I join the pledge to register 1,000 new voters during my campaign. It is wise and necessary to remind our electorate often that if we are not vigilant in our pursuit of democracy, preserving those rights and privileges we are entitled to today we may find ourselves wondering how we got so far away from a participatory governance tomorrow.
Denice Traina
Candidate, District One Commission
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