Urban Pro Weekly

Did city botch FEMA debris contract?

U W rban Pro NEWS • COMMENTARY

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ENTERTAINMENT

Josey HS high jumper Eric Holden during a recent track meet held at Westside High School.

Eddie Bussey 706-772-9800

The CSRA’s FREE WEEKLY NEWSPAPER VOL.3 NO.29

APRIL 3 - 9, 2014

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

UrbanProWeekly • APRIL 3 - 9, 2014

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3 UrbanProWeekly • APRIL 3 - 9, 2014

Abandoned furniture and matresses sit near a trash bin at Cherry Tree Crossing. Not all families have been relocated. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

24 families remain at Cherry Tree Crossing

By Vincent Hobbs

A

neighborhood once filled with families and the laughter of children is now mostly silent — an eerie testament to the inevitability of change. A desolate landscape of abandoned broken furniture, boarded-up windows and streets devoid of cars greets those who venture down Carver, McCauley and Hunter streets.

The once neatly-kept lawns have given way to weeds and overgrown shrubbery. Old mattresses pile up near community dumpsters. Broken glass and litter dot the landscape.

It is evident that a change has come to Cherry Tree Crossing (formerly Sunset Homes).

However, a few families remain at the soon to be razed housing development. According to Buddy Oldfield, Director of Resident Services at the Augusta Housing Authority, twenty-four families remain on the property and one of those is slated for eviction.

“I hope to complete the relocation by the end of April, but there may very well be a few moves that will

continue into May,” Oldfield shared through an email message.

The area is targeted for a sparkling new, mixed-income apartment development. The enterprise is to be funded by housing tax credits and will be a key element to the 15th Street corridor — a major inner-city development. Similar developments are Walton Oaks and The Legacy at Walton Oaks, which sit on the former site of Underwood Homes in East Augusta.

Cherry Tree Crossing was home to 355 families when the decision to demolish the residences was approved in August 2013 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. A series of public hearings and meetings held by AHA provided detailed information to residents about the disposition of the housing property and available options for re-locating.

Subsequently, 62 families moved on their own, 204 families have moved using Section 8 vouchers for apartments or rental homes, and 65 have relocated to other public housing units.

The stress of moving is listed as one

of the top five causes of stress, right along with the death of a loved one, divorce, major illness and job loss.

According to HealthStatus.com, it is the disruption of routine that is the primary factor in stress from moving.

Some remaining tenants are certainly feeling the pinch. Long-time resident Johnie Mae Stephens is not having much success finding a new residence.

“I opted to go to another project, but they didn’t seem to have too many apartments available for the time that I wanted to move,” she told UPW. “That’s why I’m still here.

I’m supposed to go to Lake Olmsted to live in an apartment, but I don’t know if that’s what I want. If they don’t have anything else in another project, that’s where I will have to go.”

Stephens has lived at Cherry Tree Crossing since she was a young child.

Her mother moved into the complex in 1959 and when her mother passed away in 1971, Stephens took over the residence. “The reason I never moved is because I like it over here.

I never had any problems, whatsoever.”

While Stephens reflected on her positive experiences in the neighborhood to UPW, a few other neighbors, who didn’t want to go on record for this article, chimed in about what a great place Cherry Tree had been to live.

“This is my home…this is my home.

I’m going to miss it…I’m going to miss it,” Stephens expressed. “I’ve always had good neighbors. I never had a problem with management or anything. We even had a convenience store right across the street, but now it’s closed.”

According to the residents UPW spoke to, the convenience store, C & J Market, closed its doors shortly after residents starting moving out. There just wasn’t enough business anymore.

“It’s gonna be kind of hard for me to go to another area, because I’m used to this,” Stephens said, motioning toward the vacated apartments along her street. “I knew they were going to have to get rid of it sooner or later… but I’m going to miss it.”

The Augusta Housing Authority hopes to begin demolition work in June.

UrbanProWeekly • APRIL 3 - 9, 2014

4

The CITY

Did the city bypass FEMA rules when it hired 2 contractors without bids?

By Frederick Benjamin Sr. UrbanProWeekly Staff Writer AUGUSTA When city officials submit their documentation to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help pay for the $14 million storm debris cleanup, it will have to explain why it did not follow its own procurement policy and fail to put the contract out for competitive bids.

The haste with which the two contractors were hired — Ashbritt Environmental of Deerfield Beach, Florida and Leidos, a defense contractor from Reston, Virginia — quickly raised concerns from local contractors who felt that they should have had an opportunity to bid on the contracts.

Apparently, FEMA will want the city to explain itself. FEMA procurement guidelines for reimbursements clearly outlines the steps that a city must take when contracting for debris monitoring and removal.

At the top of FEMA’s list is “competition.” (See “What FEMA Requires . . .” on page 5). FEMA requires “applicants for Public Assistance grants to take the necessary steps to ensure there are opportunities to award contracts to minority, women-owned . . . firms whenever possible.”

Thirty days ago, Commissioner Marion Williams addressed that question directly to city officials responsible for hiring the outside firms, but in the midst of the “after-glow created by the heroic actions of local first responders and city personnel,” he was basically told to “sit down and be quiet.”

At the time, commissioners and the public were told that the city exercised its “emergency procurement” option which enabled a cadre of city officials including the mayor, the city administrator and the city procurement officer to hire the contractors without competitive bidding — and they did.

Actually, city officials said that they “piggy-backed” on an existing contract owned by another municipality.

And while city officials said that the city commission okay-ed the decision to hire these contractors, one thing is clear, the city failed to get competitive bids with built-in assurances.

FEMA also requires that: “Procurement policies must include procedures to handle protests and disputes related to contracts awarded.”

While FEMA understands the need for such emergency procurements, it doesn’t let the city off the hook for bypassing its own procurement policies.

FEMA says, “Only use abbreviated emergency procurement procedures that include an expedited competitive bid process if time does not allow for more stringent procedures.”

The city’s procurement process in awarding the contracts to outside firms was “expedited” but it was not competitive.

And the “emergency” appeared to stem from the

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UrbanProWeekly LLC Mailing Address: 3529 Monte Carlo Drive Augusta, Georgia 30906

While most of the debris from the February ice storm like that shwon in the above photo has been collected and moved to processing locations, many Augusta neighborhoods have yet to be totally cleared. The goal of having the job completed before the Masters Golf Tournament will not be met and the costs have grown from $8 million to over $14 million. Photo by Vincent Hobbs fact that the Masters Golf Tournament was nearly at hand. The fact that the governor had declared an “Emergency” was done in an attempt to ensure federal disaster relief and not because there was imminent danger to the citizens of Augusta.

ESCALATING COSTS Failure to put the contract out for competitive bidding jeopardizes the city’s ability to have the federal government pay for 75 percent of the clean-up bill. The percentage that the city has been counting on has been 85 percent, but that is not guaranteed.

When the city went with Ashbritt it was tantamount to hiring a “high-priced” lawyer. After all, this is a company that is used to getting top dollar.

It received a $500 million contract from FEMA to handle the Katrina disaster in New Orleans.

It appears now that the city grasped at the first straw that was handed them and now the city has to “pay the piper” even if they don’t like the tune.

This ice storm cleanup has nearly doubled from the initial estimate of $8 million to over $14 million and the meter is still running.

Again, if the city had been more familiar with FEMA rules it might have avoided the current “sticker shock” for its disaster bill.

FEMA rules say: “Ensure that debris removal or monitoring contract costs are reasonable and necessary . . . Competitively bid contracts that comply with Federal, State, and local procurement regulations and procedures will establish reason-

Publisher Ben Hasan 706-394-9411 Managing Editor Frederick Benjamin Sr. 706-306-4647

able costs for the work.”

FEMA requires: “Public Assistance applicants must complete a cost analysis for any contract or contract modification where price competition is lacking. Failure to complete a cost analysis may jeopardize FEMA Public Assistance grant funding.

Have any county commissioners actually reviewed the contract with Ashbritt and Leidos?

Even if the city is lucky enough to pass muster and have 75 percent of the cleanup costs passed along to the federal government, it will still have to come up with nearly $4 million once it factors in the costs to pay city workers for storm-related overtime.

Where that money is coming from is anybody’s guess. For all practical purposes, the city is broke and is counting on the upcoming SPLOST to be able to pay its bills.

South Carolina says that its debris cleanup won’t be finished until sometime in June. We know that Augusta won’t be totally cleaned up until after the Masters and perhaps sometime in May. Now the city officials are in a bind and usually when this crew is in a bind, they generally don’t know how to do anything intelligent about it.

Just consider the most recent financial snafus, including the financing of the municipal building renovations — a bad deal; the parking deck fiasco with the infamous “air rights” — a bad deal and the dumping of a brand new structure in the city’s land bank — more bad deals.

Sales & Marketing Phone: 706-394-9411 Photography and Social Media Courtesy of Vincent Hobbs

email: Ben Hasan bzhasan54@yahoo.com Frederick Benjamin Sr. editor@urbanproweekly.com Vincent Hobbs coolveestudio@gmail.com

5 Provide a clear and definitive scope of work in the request for proposals/bids.

Require bidders to provide copies of references, licenses, financial records, and proof of insurance and bonding.

Complete and document a cost analysis to demonstrate price reasonableness on any contract or contract modification where adequate price competition is lacking, as detailed in 44 CFR 13.36(f).

UrbanProWeekly • APRIL 3 - 9, 2014

WHAT FEMA REQUIRES TO QUALIFY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REIMBURSEMENT

gency area. Applicants’ legal representatives should review their COST ANALYSIS To be eligible for Federal fund- procurement process and any ing, applicants must comply with contract to be awarded to ensure Ensure that debris removal or Pursuant to 44 CFR 13.36, federal procurement standards they are in compliance with all monitoring contract costs are rea- Procurement, Public Assistance as outlined in 44 CFR, 13.36, Federal, State, and local requiresonable and necessary as defined applicants must complete a cost Procurement. Essential elements ments. and required by OMB Circular A-87 analysis for any contract or contract of the procurement process for Procurement policies must and 44 CFR Part 13. Competitively modification where price competidebris removal and monitoring include procedures to handle bid contracts that comply with tion is lacking. Failure to complete contracts include: competition; protests and disputes related to Federal, State, and local procure- a cost analysis may jeopardize FEMA a clear and definitive scope of contracts awarded. FEMA will, ment regulations and procedures Public Assistance grant funding. work; qualified bidders (doc- when requested by applicants, will establish reasonable costs for umented by licenses, financial assist in the review of debris the work. Auto  Home Life Health Bonds  Commercial Auto Home L records, proof of insurance, and removal contracts. However, bonding, as applicable); a cost such a review does not constitute analysis to demonstrate cost approval. reasonableness; compliance Auto Home Life Health Bonds  Commercial with all relevant local, State, and In order to ensure that debris Leroy Stokes III Federal requirements, laws and removal and monitoring contractPresident/C.E.O. C.S.F.P. policies; and, clear documen- ing costs are eligible, applicants Chartered Senior Financial Planner tation of the process/rationale should: followed in making procureUse competitive bidding pro401 K - I.R.A. Rollover Specialist • T.S.A. Rollover Specialist ment decisions. cedures to meet procurement Federal regulations require requirements for Federal grants, Are your investments TAX SERVICES AVAILABLE applicants for Public Assistance as established in 44 CFR 13.36, guaranteed to never go down grants to take the necessary steps Procurement. due to market downturn?

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6

My Journey toward Building a Model Community through Trust DEAR VOTERS:

detective.

My program, “Comcast Community Concerns,” aired for 7 ½ years. I interviewed all of the candidates running for office, including your current commissioners. I never received “a dime” in compensation from Comcast. I did it in service to the community.

My program was an opportunity for the public to see and hear our community leaders and their respective messages.

On February 1, 2011, I appeared before the commission and charged them with violating the Consolidation Charter when they attempted to make the former administrator, the C.E.O of Augusta. The Consolidation Charter identifies the Mayor as the C.E.O. and Chairperson. As a result of my appearance before the commission and a suit filed by the Baptist Ministers Association, the title, C.E.O was never given to the former administrator.

I have attended approximately 85% of the commission and commission committee meetings since 2006. The commission experience has been frustrating, entertaining and rewarding. It has given me valuable insight into how to start to Build a Model Community through Trust.

Below is a listing of some of the things I have done “lately” to build a Model Community through Trust: THE JOURNEY My journey started with me studying the power and influence of the media — talk radio, television news, print and social media.

After about three years of a daily ritual of listening to and reading media sources, I came to the conclusion that Augusta’s best years are yet to come.

I spoke with many elected officials and city leaders to try to get an understanding of the challenges facing Augusta. Unfortunately, at the end of this leg of my journey, I did not find answers to the question in my heart. The question was simply this, “why are we so divided as a community?”

THE CHALLENGE I concluded that, if what exists now is a model, it is not working. So I asked myself, how do I help to begin the building of another model, a model based on trust?

In 2006, I started a program on WKZK Radio 1600 AM, titled “Can We Talk?” I was purchasing radio time. The goal of the program was to publicly discuss issues that we don’t want to talk about. I believed the public discussions would help prepare us for where we are now as a community. We are a community that is transitioning its leadership.

Additionally, in September 2006, I approached a Comcast employee about being a sponsor of “Can We Talk.” During that conversation, I was offered an opportunity to do Political Commentary on Connect Live, a Comcast program hosted by Austin Rhodes.

I accepted even though, I had never done radio or television before. There was no pay involved. But, it was exposure that I hoped would lead to sponsorship of my radio program. It also gave me an opportunity to be a leader involved in diverse dialogues in the community.

Furthermore, in December 2006, I approached Bill Botham of Comcast; he gave me the opportunity to do a Connect Live program dedicated to HIV & AIDS Awareness Month. My guests were, Mayor Deke Copenhaver, Sandra Wymberly of Richmond County Health Department and a pediatrician from GRU (MCG).

I named the program, “Comcast Community Concerns.” At the conclusion of each program, I always quoted my motto, “Always Moving Our Community into the Future.” I utilized the same motto for radio and television.

In January 2007, my guests were Minnesota Fattz, Reverend Larry Fryer and our current sheriff, Richard Roundtree. We discussed a program they were starting called, “Taking Back The Streets.” At the time, Sheriff Roundtree was a homicide

TRUST I believe that trust must begin with the mayor and the commissioners; they are the face of our city. When the trust is broken within the leadership, it enables the breaking of our spirits in the community. On the other hand, when trust is established within the leadership, it creates a community buy-in by the citizens.

Here are a few of the benefits of living in a community based on Trustworthiness: 1. Trust with community buy-in creates an environment to work with other leaders and elected officials to ensure that good-paying jobs are attracted to our city, our streets are safe, our neighborhoods are clean and we experience growth and prosperity.

2. Trust creates an environment where businesses will be attracted to District 6 and other parts of South Augusta. This will greatly benefit Augusta-Richmond County.

3. Most importantly, when trust with community buy-in is realized, we can foster an environment together that encourages personal and business investment into our community.

The generation of positive relations between the government and the citizenry will transform our efforts into the supreme accomplishment of “Always Moving Our Community Into the Future.”

ELECT Ben Hasan Commission District 6

I sincerely appreciate your Consideration and Vote.

Please Vote for Ben Hasan during Early Voting or on May 20, Election Day. Thanks for taking the time to read my message to Voters: Building a Model Community through Trust.

FRIENDS OF BEN HASAN • 706-421-7568 P.O. BOX 92720, AUGUSTA, GA 30916 • www.benhasan4district6.com

The Mother Daughter Tea will be held at Diamond Lakes Community Center on Friday, April 4. Ladies are being asked to wear their Sunday best, party hat, with white gloves and dress. Entertainment, a fashion show and a guest speaker will featured. Tickets are $10 per couple and $2 for each additional daughter.

For more information, call 706826-1370.

Speaker to address problem of bullying Kathy Hersh has been working in the bullying prevention field for ten years, giving workshops to adults and youth, writing articles and reviewing books on bullying for the New York Journal of Books. She is a Quaker and is active in youth advocacy. Kathy lives in Miami.

She will address the Augusta community on Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m. at the Augusta Richmond County Library Auditorium.

Hersh will address the root cause of bullying and give practical advice about how bullying can be stopped before it gets started.

Children can learn techniques and when reinforced in classrooms, entire schools can change their environments to more positive, emotionally safe places for children to learn.

Sponsored by the CSRA Peace Alliance www.csrapeace.org For more information 706.951.2413 All programs are free.

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SPRING FESTIVAL 2014 Saturday, April 5, 2014 2PM – 9PM Augusta Common 836 Reynolds St. 30901 Downtown Augusta Ring in the Spring on the Greens at the Augusta Common in Downtown Augusta sponsored by

Augusta Recreation, Parks and Facilities, WRDW, Kiss 96.3, WBBQ, G 105.7.

Fun for the entire family including live entertainment, children’s fun zone, food, beverage, craft, and merchandise vendors.

Vendors are accepted. For more information, please call (706) 706-821-1754.

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OUR RELOCATION DATE HAS CHANGED The Augusta Utilities Department Customer Service Division, currently located in the Municipal Building at 530 Greene Street Room 118 will be temporarily relocating, effective April 16th and April 17th, 2014. That location will be closed. We will reopen Monday, April 21ST, 2014 @ 8:30AM. Our new temporary location will be in the ANIC Building at 925 Laney Walker Blvd-1st Floor To pay your bill, handle Customer Service transactions or Credit and Collections Services you may do so at our 2760 Peach Orchard Road location.

We will continue to offer exceptional customer service along with:  E-BILLS- the convenience of having your bill e-mailed to you.

Don’t Feel like standing in line?! No worries, we’ve got you covered!  NO FEE 24 Hour check payments by phone (706) 821-1851  NO FEE Automatic Bank Draft payments  Sign-up and view your account information online as well as make payments (a minimum convenience fee of $4.25 is charged by Chase Bank.)

7 UrbanProWeekly • APRIL 3 - 9, 2014

Mother Daughter Tea set for this weekend

UrbanProWeekly • APRIL 3 - 9, 2014

8

Track and field athletes run the 4x 100 relay during a meet held at Westside High School.

Participating teams included Laney, Josey, Westside and ARC. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Urban Sports Lens Photos by Vincent Hobbs

A Cross Creek High School track team runner does a triple jump during a meet held at Westside High School. Other participating teams included Laney, Josey, and ARC. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Track and field athletes compete at the Columbia County high school track and field championships, held at Greenbrier High School. Athletes from Greenbrier, Lakeside, Grovetown, and Evans participated in the event. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

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COMMUNITY CORNER Spoken Word Christian Ministries will be hosting a Spiritual Warfare Summit. On April 11 at 7:30 p.m Apostle Viola Holmes is featured and on April 12, Pastor Aderina Lee is featured.

Spoken Word Christian Ministries will be hosting a credit counseling workshop with the help of Wells Fargo downtown Aiken branch

on April 12 starting at 10 a.m. A representative from Wells Fargo will discuss ways to improve your credit scores and handle household finance.

There is a $5 fee. Light refreshments will also be served.

Spoken Word Christian Ministries is located at 1219 Edgefield Hwy, Aiken,SC 29801.For more information call (803) 295-8115 or (803) 378-2779

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11 UrbanProWeekly • APRIL 3 - 9, 2014

PEREZ ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS “SECRETS IN THE ISLANDS” at The Jabez Performing Art Center Evans, Georgia Saturday June 7, 2014.

Special Appearance by Celebrity Recording Artist CeCe Peniston.

Show Times 3pm & 7pm; Tickets are now on sale at the following locations: Pyramid Music on Broad Street Augusta, Barely New Boutique Augusta; online www.cacheparez.com. For more information call 404.969.6112

APRIL CALENDAR OF EVENTS AT NEW LIFE WORSHIP CENTER New Life Worship Center hosts various events throughout the month that are open to the public. All events are held at New Life, located at 3550 Morgan Road in Hephzibah, Ga., unless otherwise noted.

EVERY TUESDAY Community Senior Activities. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Activities and refreshments for seniors age 55 and over. Free.

EVERY WEDNESDAY Mid-Week Worship Service. 7:30 p.m.

Speaker, Pastor Regina Harris.

EVERY SUNDAY Sunday Worship Service. 11 a.m. Speaker, Pastor Claude Harris.

April 12-July 25 COMMUNITY BASKETBALL. Every Friday, 7 p.m. Free.

APRIL 13 Palm Sunday. 11 a.m. The New Life Youth Department will be in charge of the service. Free.

APRIL 19 ANNUAL KINGDOM KIDS EASTER PICNIC. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. There will be food, games, prizes, and an Easter egg hunt.

Open to children ages 4-11. Free.

APRIL 20 EASTER SERVICE. 11 a.m. Speaker, Elder Bruce James. Free.

EASTER PRODUCTION. “He is the Son of God.” 6 p.m. Meet biblical characters whose lives were changed after their encounter with Christ. The evening will also include music and poetry. Free.

For more information, call 706-796-7880.

PRAYER BREAKFAST The Everfaithful Missionary Baptist Churcvh Missionary Ministry will host The Annual Prayer Breakfast on April 12, 2014 @ 8:30am The Guest Speaker will be Missionary Bertha Fitts of Friendly Church of God in Christ. Everfaithful Missionary Baptist Church is located at 314 Sandbar Ferry Road,Augusta, Georgia 30901.

“The Elect Lady Of God,” Bishop Rosa L. Williams is the Pastor.

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UrbanProWeekly • APRIL 3 - 9, 2014

12

U W

FORUM Democracy vs. Oligarchy rban Pro

by Bernie Sanders

I

n his 1943 painting “Freedom of Speech,” Norman Rockwell illustrated American democracy in action by depicting a man speaking up at a town meeting. A framed poster of Rockwell’s painting hangs proudly on a wall in my Senate office in Burlington, Vt. Since 1990, when I was first elected to Congress, I have held hundreds of town meetings in almost every community in Vermont. Just this past Sunday I held a town meeting in Middlebury, Vt., with a video connection to meetings in three other towns. At these town meetings I listen to what my constituents have to say, answer questions and give a rundown of what I’m working on and what’s going on in Washington.

This process – an elected official meet-

eekly

ing with ordinary citizens – is called “democracy.”

Ironically, at the same time as I was holding town meetings in Vermont, a handful of prospective 2016 Republican presidential candidates (Jeb Bush, John Kasich, Chris Christie and Scott Walker) trekked to Las Vegas to audition for the support of Sheldon Adelson, the multi-billionaire casino tycoon who spent at least $93 million underwriting conservative candidates in the last election cycle. Those candidates were in Las Vegas for the sole purpose of attempting to win hundreds of millions from him for their presidential campaigns.

The disastrous 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United threw out campaign funding laws that limited what wealthy individuals and corporations could spend on elections. Since that rul-

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

ing, campaign spending by Adelson, the Koch brothers and a handful of other billionaire families has fundamentally undermined American democracy. If present trends continue, elections will not be decided by one-person, one-vote, but by a small number of very wealthy families who spend huge amounts of money supporting right-wing candidates who protect their interests.

This process – a handful of the wealthiest people in our country controlling the political process – is called “oligarchy.”

The great political struggle we now face is whether the United States retains its democratic heritage or whether we move toward an oligarchic form of society where the real political power rests with a handful of billionaires, not ordinary Americans.

BY KRISTIE ROBIN JOHNSON

Autism isn’t the enemy A

tear escaped from my eye as the words left her mouth—“I hope my daughter dies before I do.” I had broken my solemn vow not to cry while watching Autism: the Musical, an HBO documentary that depicts the lives of families with autistic children. I cried because I know firsthand the frustration, pain, and fear that lead this mother to make such a shocking statement. Like the daughter that she refers to, my 14 year old son has autism.

I had promised myself that I would not cry because, quite frankly, I am sick of crying. Most accounts of autistic life are filled with “woe is me” and vaccination vitriol. While our journey has been anything but easy, I have learned an important lesson that totally changed my outlook. Autism is not the enemy—ignorance is the real foe.

I realized a long time ago that if I wanted the world to accept my son just as he is, I must first accept him

Clearly, if we are to retain the fundamentals of American democracy, we need to overturn the Supreme Court decision. The fact that more than 500 communities and 16 states have expressed support for overturning Citizens United is a good step forward, but much more needs to be done.

Overturning Citizens United, however, is not enough. If we are serious about elections being fought over ideas, we must move toward public funding of elections.

Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is the longest serving independent member of Congress in American history. Before his 1990 election as Vermont’s at-large member in Congress, Sanders lectured at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard and at Hamilton College in upstate New York.

and love him, exactly as he is.

For many years it pained me that my child wasn’t on the recreational soccer team or very good at making friends. Outwardly, he appears to be a social recluse who literally rides the short bus to school. But there is so much more to him than meets the eye. And when I stopped being angry because he doesn’t fit the mold that society would prefer he fit in, I really began to celebrate every nuance of my unique child— autism included.

I no longer dread the daily challenges of our life. I revel in them.

When someone stares as he carries on a conversation with himself in the Wal-Mart, I view it as an opportunity to raise awareness. When we are at birthday parties and parents ask “Why isn’t he playing with the kids?”

I simply educate them. I explain that people with autism are often socially introverted and playing alone does not mean that they are lonely. I am

no longer defensive, embarrassed, or ashamed. Actually, I am hopeful. Being open, honest and positive about his condition helps him to be more independent and confident in his abilities. This attitude also seems to be rubbing off on others.

A few years ago my son had the absolute mother of all meltdowns at his school’s open house one week before school started. He screamed, yelled, cried, rolled on the floor and pretty much exhibited all the characteristics of a full blown fit. As expected, people stared, whispered, and shook their heads. Some teachers were even visibly shaken. But one little girl who had been in a class with my son the previous year walked up to him, unafraid and totally calm, she put her arms around him and hugged him. Almost instantly, he calmed down. She looked beyond his faults and saw his needs. This was a particularly poignant moment for me.

A child was able to rise above igno-

rance in a moment when many adults could not.

Today I accept our unpredictable life and cannot wait to see what tomorrow will bring. I welcome the weekly therapy appointments, sometimes erratic and quirky behaviors, tense IEP meetings, and questions from curious (not always rude) strangers. My son is a wonderfully exceptional creature with gorgeous eyes, a lanky build, and a certain penchant for calendars and arithmetic. He craves independence and chicken McNuggets and has taught me everything I know about bravery and courage.

While I certainly understand the frustration of the mother featured in the documentary, I do not agree with her sentiment. I hope my son lives a long, fulfilling life long after I am gone. I am confident that the unconditional love of his family and friends will be enough to sustain and protect him even when I am not around.

Full House: Candidates Qualify for Local Elections MAYOR Helen Blocker-Adams Hardie Davis Charles Cummings Alvin D. Mason Lori Myles

COMM. DIST. 6 Bob Finnegan Roger Garvin Angela C. Harden Ben Hasan Tony Lewis

COMM. DIST. 2 Cleveland Garrison Dennis Williams

COMM. DIST. 8 Wayne Guilfoyle

COMM. DIST. 4 Melvin Ivey Tomasenia Jackson Sammie L. Sias Gwen Watts

COMM. DIST. 10 Brandon K. Dial Grady Smith STATE COURT JUDGE Richard A. Slaby

STATE COURT JUDGE David D. Watkins

BD OF ED. DIST. 7 Frank Dolan

BD OF EDUCATION BD OF ED. DIST. 2 Frank V. Beckles Jr. Monique Braswell Charlie Hannah

BD OF ED. DIST. 9 Venus D. Cain James Swanagan Jr.

BD OF ED. DIST. 3 Alex Howard BD OF ED. DIST. 6 Jark Padgett Jr.

STATE SENATE DIST. 22 Elmyria Chivers (D) Corey Johnson (D) Harold Jones II (D) STATE SENATE DIST. 23 Jesse Stone (R) Diane Evans (D)

Political Forums Turpin Hill Neighborhood Association is holding a forum for candidates at 6 p.m. Monday, April 14, at Carrie J. Mays Community Center, 1014 11th Ave. Association President Belle Clark said all five candidates had confirmed they will attend the forum, which will be moderated by Barbara Gordon, the publisher of The Metro Courier newspaper.

Political Forum • Mayor & Senate Dist. 22 Thursday, April 17, 7 p.m.

East Augusta Neighborhood Association is hosting a political forum for Augusta mayoral and state senate candidates April 17 at Eastview Community Center, 644 Aiken St. The forum will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. The five mayoral candidates are businesswoman Helen Blocker-Adams, retired businessman Charles Cummings, Sen.

SCHOOL BUS DRIVER TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT The Richmond County School System is currently receiving applications for school bus drivers. Positions are available immediately. The Richmond County School System will train all hired employees for these positions for the required license endorsements. The Richmond County Board of Education offers excellent benefits and work hours that are compatible with alternate careers.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, possess a valid drivers’ license, good driving record, consent to undergo a drug screening, and a GCIC/NCIC Criminal history inquiry.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 10 months.

TO APPLY: Qualified applicants must submit an electronic application. Visit the Board website @ www. rcboe.org to apply. The Richmond County Public School System does not discriminate in employment or services on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, gender, disability or religion.

SCHOOL BUS TECHNICIAN TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT The Richmond County School System is currently receiving applications for school bus technicians.

Applicant must have experience in the following: general automotive, bus & truck repair, diagnostics tuneups, transmission replacement, front end repairs, drive line repairs, differential repairs, exhaust system repairs, air brake systems, electrical repairs and other chassis repairs.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, have a high school education or experience in the area of automotive technician (diesel and gasoline engines) and possess a valid drivers’ license (obtain CDL with endorsements within 3 months of employment).

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 12 months TO APPLY: Qualified applicants must submit an electronic application. Visit the Board website @ www. rcboe.org to apply. The Richmond County Public School System does not discriminate in employment or services on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, gender, disability or religion.

Hardie Davis, Commissioner Alvin Mason and language arts teacher Lori Myles.

The election on May 20 is also the date when voters across most of Augusta will decide between three Democratic candidates for state senate District 22.

There are no Republicans running for the seat, which Davis currently holds.

The senate candidates are real estate agent Elmyria Chivers, Mayor Pro Tem Corey Johnson and attorney Harold Jones.

Senate District 22 Tuesday, April 22, 7 p.m.

The Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in partnership with the Women’s Civic Club will hold a political forum on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum located at 1116 Phillips Street, Augusta, GA at 7:00 p.m. This forum will give the voters an opportunity to hear from candidates and make informed decisions at the poll on May 20, 2014. Senate District 22 candidates include Elmyria Chivers, Corey Johnson, and Harold Jones II. The public is invited to attend.

LEGAL NOTICE City of Augusta for the Augusta Regional Airport 30-Day Public Advisory Subject: Request for Variance Under the Provisions of O.C.G.A. 12-7-6(b) (15) Drainage Improvements and Application for Encroachment upon the 25-Foot Vegetative Buffer for One State Water Project: Drainage Improvements; BV-121-13-05 County: Augusta-Richmond The purpose of this public advisory is to provide interested parties with the opportunity to submit comments related to the proposed stream buffer variance. The City of Augusta’s Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field (the Airport) plans to perform a project to correct stormwater drainage issues on the Airport’s property, replace a culvert that was previously blown out by storms in 2011, and to improve aircraft safety within the Runway Protection Zone (RPZ). The project will consist of the construction of approximately 4,000 linear feet of new two and four lane roads and associated drainage improvements to access the southern portion of the Airport’s property to allow for the economic development of this portion of the Airport. The project will also improve Airport safety by improving access for Airport emergency and firefighting equipment and by mitigating the existing drainage issues in low lying areas within the Runway 35 approach.

The project would impact the 56 linear feet of buffer of intermittent Stream 1 by re-grading the streambank slopes, placement of riprap for channel and outlet protection, placement of the outlet of the new detention pond, and the placement of best management practices (BMPs) such as silt fences.

Site plans for the proposed construction can be viewed at the Augusta Regional Airport Engineering Office at 1501 Aviation Way, Augusta, Georgia 30906-9620, Phone: (706) 798-3236.

The public is invited to comment during the 30-day period on the proposed activity. Written comments should be submitted to: Program Manager, Non-Point Source Program, Erosion and Sedimentation Control, 4220 International Parkway, Suite 101, Atlanta, Georgia 30354.

UrbanProWeekly • APRIL 3 - 9, 2014

Mayor • Monday, April 14, 6 p.m.

13

UrbanProWeekly • APRIL 3 - 9, 2014

14

WORSHIP Directory Good Shepherd Baptist Church

Rev. Clarence Moore, Pastor 1714 Olive Road / P. O. Box 141 (mailing address) Augusta, GA 30903 706/733-0341- Telephone/706/667-0205 – Fax E-mail address: admin@goodshepherdaugusta.org Web address: goodshepherdaugusta.org Rev. Clarence Moore Church Service: 7:45 & 11:00 a.m.

Church School: 9:45 a.m. / Prayer Service: 11:00 a.m. – Wednesday Bible Study: 9:00 a.m. - Saturday / 7:00 p.m. - Wednesday

Everfaithful Missionary Baptist Church

314 Sand Bar Ferry Road Augusta, Georgia 30901 (706) 722- 0553 Church School Sunday 9:25am Morning Worship Sunday 11am Evening Worship 6pm (1st & 3rd Sunday) Midday Prayer 12pm Wednesday Intercessory Prayer/Bible Study 6pm Wednesday

Bishop Rosa L. Williams, Pastor

Radio Broadcast: Sundays • WKZK 103.7 FM at 7:30 a.m.

Sunday School 8:30 am Morning Worship Services: 9:45 am Evening Worship Services 6 pm (4th Sunday) Bible Study: 6pm (Mondays) Midday Bible Study: 12pm (Tuesdays) Prayer Services: 6pm (Wednesdays) Celebrate Recovery: 6pm (Fridays) and 12pm (Mondays) 2323 Barton Chapel Road • Augusta,GA 30906 706.790.8185 / 706.922.8186 (fax) Visit Us @ www.broadwaybaptistaug.org • Join us on facebook

Sunday Morning Services 10 am Wednesday Services 7 pm 2070 Brown Road, Hephzibah, GA 30815 (706) 592-9221 | www.alwc.net

Daily Morning Prayer

6:30 a.m. - 6:45 a.m.

218-548-1625 • Access Code 2331#

Dr. C. William Joyner, Jr. Senior Pastor

Start your calling today! Mount Olivet Certified Academic Institution 706.793.0091 • 706.793.0335 • www.mocai-aug.org

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