UPW - Urban Pro Weekly

UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY

MAY 9 - 22, 2022 • VOL. 10 NO. 22

Donald Bradshaw

Robert Ingham

Steven Kendrick

EARLY VOTING HAS BEGUN

DISTRIC 6 COMMISS ION RACE IC SERIES CANDLELIGHT MUS

9 CANDID ATES SEE K MAYOR ’S OFFICE

Charlie Hannah

Garnett Johnson

Lori Myles

A.K. Hasan

Lucas V. Johnson

Marion Williams

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Economic development, A-List retail, affordable housing top concerns in District 6 race

By Frederick Benjamin Sr UPW Staff Writer AUGUSTA Redistricting has impacted the southside Commission District 6 in very important ways. Current mayoral candidate A.K. Hasan had originally announced that he was running for the seat held by his brother Ben Hasan (current District 6 commissioner who is term-limited), but then he was drawn out of the district creating a last-minute scramble for candidates to represent the district.

Those who answered the bell include real estate developer Jeremy Johnson, retired government worker Tony Lewis and entrepreneur Mario D. Taylor Sr. Lewis has run unsuccessfully for the post a couple of times, but Johnson and Taylor are fresh faces.

Though the candidates vary widely in careers, training and work experience, they pretty much agree on the things that are important to District 6 residents. All of the candidates have addressed the need for economic development in one form or another. Such development includes attracting high-end restaurants, affordable housing, and infrastructure improvements.

Candidate Jeremy Johnson is a retired combat veteran who owns a real estate management firm which focuses exclusively on Augusta.

“South Augusta in particular has a lot of commercial property that is undeveloped, so we see things

UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY

DISTRICT 6

that are in other parts of Augusta – upper-end hotels, restaurants, that type of thing – that are not in south Augusta, and it’s not because of the lack of land, it’s because of the lack of businesses,” Johnson said.

Tony Lewis would like to see a boost in the district’s retail estabContinued on page 4

Jeremy Johnson

PUBLISHER Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency LLC http://www.growingaugusta.co/UPW +1 (706) 751-2537 SALES & MARKETING http://www.growingaugusta.co/UPW +1 (762) 233-5299

Tony Lewis

Mario D. Taylor Sr.

CONTRIBUTORS K.L. Gordon • Rickey Jones Jr. Olivia Gaines • Vincent Hobbs Menia L. Chester Frederick Benjamin Sr. Layout/Design : UrbanProMedia

MAYOR’S RACE

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By Frederick Benjamin Sr. Political Commentary AUGUSTA In this year’s nonpartisan mayor’s race, nine candidates are on the ballot and most of them are pretty much “household” names due to their past political activities either as office holder or candidates.

Steven Kendricks, Marion Williams, A.K. Hasan, Charlie Hannah, Lori Myles and Robert Ingham are well-known personalities with dozens of years of campaign experience among them.

Newcomers include Garnett Johnson, Donald Bradshaw, and Lucas V. Johnson.

In such a crowded field with no clear favorite, a runoff is very likely.

If one of the newcomers makes the runoff, that might be a signal that the electorate is looking for new options. However, it is just as likely that the votes split among the familiar faces will offer an opportunity for an unlikely runoff prospect.

While the races for commission districts focus mainly on neighborhood concerns, the mayor’s outlook

has to be more comprehensive — more broad.

Ironically, the Augusta form of government, quite deliberately, removed important powers from the chief executive’s tool chest and placed them firmly into the hands of the city administrator. The administrator, in turn, has to gain the trust and support of the majority of the 10 commissioners.

Since the mayor is the standard bearer for the government, leadership qualities are paramount. While so many of the mayor’s duties are strictly ceremonial, he or she must be an excellent communicator and consensus builder.

The specter of a runoff will test the candidate’s campaign organizations. Becoming one of a pair of runoff candidates presents a unique set of challenges. Getting one’s supporters back to the polls is chief among them. If a campaign is well financed, it has the means to wage a vigorous campaign. Very often in the past, the candidate with the most votes in the main election falls short in the runoff election.

Mayoral candidates often rely

upon well-worn issues that they perceive to be popular with the public. Issues such as transparency in government, tax relief, business development, improved transportation, infrastructure improvement and trash collection are all safe havens for the candidates, but absent any divisive “hot-button” issues like police brutality, immigration or even election integrity, it is difficult for the candidates to set themselves apart from their peers.

A notable exception is Lori Myles who is making an outright appeal for the county’s women to realize that they are a political force.

Ultimately, it may very well be what so many elections turn out to be ­— a popularity contest.

The public is not likely to get an accurate view of the candidates in the traditional ways which include public forums, media ads (print, broadcast and online). The candidates who have gone into the senior centers, the churches, and doorto-door and who meet face-to-face with prospective voters have been able to successfully complement their digital efforts (social media

and websites and podcasts).

Thankfully, this year’s mayoral election is more racially diverse than in most recent contests. Three white candidates are in the fray, so you can bet campaign strategists are trying to weigh how that might impact the overall outcome — especially in the likely runoff scenarios.

The candidates vary widely in experience, professions and business activity. Some are current or past elected officials or Augusta employees. All have addressed their concerns and aspirations publicly. A sample follows” Donald Bradshaw, an entrepreneur, says what is needed is a Strategic Plan with a mission and vision, executed through change agendas and strategic themes. He believes that identifying strategic objectives and goals is vital.

Charlie Hannah, current president of the board of education, says “If elected, I will be the one to set the standards for open, honest, and accessible leadership. Currently, I am the President of our Board of Continued on page 4

Early voting kicks off along with new voting restrictions ATLANTA Early voting officially kicked off on Monday, May 2, for the 2022 midterm elections with sky-high stakes freighted with the never-ending relitigation of the 2020 presidential election.

Over the next several weeks Georgians will cast ballots for the May 24 primaries that will determine the Republican and Democratic nominees for governor, U.S. Senate, congressional districts, secretary of state and other tests of the state’s budding battleground status.

The primary is the first statewide

election since the election overhaul implemented by Republican lawmakers in spring 2020 that reshaped absentee voting, set new deadlines when provisional ballots can be cast, added an extra Saturday of early voting, and gave the state power to take over local election boards deemed to be underperforming.

Over the coming months, progressive voting rights groups are poised to closely monitor the effects of changes they charge are suppressing Black voters and other marginalized groups who helped secure Georgia’s

two Senate seats and Joe Biden’s narrow Georgia win over Donald Trump for president.

Voting rights organizations are increasing their effort to educate the public about the voting law and resources like ones offered by a coalition of 100 organizations that allow voters who have questions or problems to report them at 866-OURVOTE. Even with the efforts some say make it harder to vote, Common Cause Georgia Executive Director Aunna Dennis said there’s a strong

counter effort to ensure every eligible voter can cast a ballot.

“But the anti-voter legislation that’s been pushed through our legislature means that it will be harder for some voters to vote this year,” she said in a statement. “So it’s more important than ever for Georgia voters to make a plan to vote — and maybe make a backup plan, too.”

This year’s party primaries feature a heated race between Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and former U.S. See ELECTION on page 5

UrbanProWeekly - MAY 9 - 22, 2022

Veteran campaigners dominate packed mayor’s race; long-shots seek runoff spot

UrbanProWeekly - MAY 9 - 22, 2022

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Mayor FROM P3 Education. I want to draw upon that extensive public service and my professional experience to enrich Augusta’s circumstances.”

A.K. Hasan, a veteran political presence and current board of education member, offers a 10 point priority lists that addresses affordable housing, crime abatement, development and taxes. He would also like the city to consider a name change.

Robert Ingham, a tax accountant, and local Democratic Party official, says he would like to become an ambassador of goodwill for Augusta in order to “propel Augusta into the 21st century.”

Garnett Johnson, owner of Augusta Office Solutions, promises to “work to make it easier for businesses to grow here in Augusta and provide good-paying jobs. My campaign is focused on a conversation no other candidate is having, ‘who’s on the side of the taxpayer?’ Too many neighborhoods in Augusta have been left behind.”

Lucas V. Johnson, a customer service representative, says “I’d like Augustans to know that my roots run deep here in Augusta and I’m running to bring full transparency to the mayor’s office, hold everyone within city government accountable, offer common sense and a fresh perspective for our city.”

Steven Kendrick, was Richmond County Tax Commissioner until he qualified to run for mayor, says, “I believe that with my leadership as Mayor, WE can have “government

that works, and see a visible difference day one.” I am striving to lead Augusta to the sustainable growth and prosperity we all deserve!”

Lori Myles possesses a PhD in education and currently a county employee, makes a direct appeal to women. “There are more WOMEN VOTERS in the City of Augusta than Men.” As an Educator, and Researcher; My Campaign Platform is a “Data-Driven” It is a Campaign that focuses on the needs of our Community as a Whole (i.e.

Health Disparities, Jobs Economic Indicators, Homelessness, and the Economic Footprint of Augusta, Georgia as it relates to the Consolidation Charter of our City).

Marion Williams, former 4-term county commissioner, says that he is “a leader you can depend on” and is committed to creating systemic change in government.

District 6 from P2 lishments.

“There’s a lack of retail in particular. There’s not one dining facility, a good dining facility, in south Augusta. With everything, you’ve got go to a Washington Road or Robert C. Daniel in that area,” Lewis said.

In a recent public forum, candidate, Mario D. Taylor, an entrepreneur and former government employee, said that he is a small-business advocate and would like to see more resources go to small businesses to help them to survive.

“90% of small businesses go under in the first three to five years, and that comes from lack of resources, lack of comprehensive business plans,” Taylor said.

Election from P3

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election.

How votes are cast should be different from 2020’s presidential preference primary when a record 1.1 million absentee ballots were cast across Georgia.

In 2020, the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot was three days before the election, but now voters must request the ballot 11 days before the election, which means the deadline is May 13 for the primaries.

“Absentee voting will not be as popular as in 2020. More people are comfortable voting in person now and absentee voting is much harder than before with more restrictive deadlines,” Eveler said.

As a result of the new law, provisional ballots cast at a wrong polling place before 5 p.m. on Election Day will not be counted. The proponents

of this change say it will give voters a chance to vote on all the candidates on the ballot. But others say it will make it more confusing for poll workers and will leave thousands of people without enough time to cast their votes.

“I think part of the problem with this law in particular is just how unnecessarily complex a rule that changes at five o’clock on Election Day is,” said Saira Amir Draper, a co-founder of Power the Vote and a Democratic candidate for state House District 90.

The most significant new election measure this year was signed into law last week by Gov. Brian Kemp, which will grant the Georgia Bureau of Investigation new powers to initial election investigations beginning on July 1.

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Sen. David Perdue and a crowded U.S. Senate field led by former University of Georgia football great Herschel Walker trying to break out of the pack to take on Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock on Nov. 8.

And as people head to the polls, the most important push from voting rights champions is for Georgians to vote early and inform their coworkers, families, and others about the new rules and to check on their status, said Jamil Favors, a co-founder of Atlanta-based nonprofit Power the Vote.

As a result of the new law, the deadline for requesting and submitting absentee ballots is shorter and drop boxes will no longer be available around the clock but only during

early voting hours.

Under the new law, Republicans officials trumpeted a plan to replace a comparatively subjective signature match for absentee ballots with a more objective driver’s license, other state ID or requiring a photocopy of a utility bill, bank statement or government check to verify identity.

Georgians will also have more difficulty requesting an absentee via an online portal under the new law since they will need a signed document in order to apply.

It is proving difficult for many election supervisors in Georgia to find enough poll workers after the pandemic led to the older ones opting out. Meanwhile, threats to poll workers grew across Georgia in the wake of discredited claims by Trump and his allies of a fraudulent

UrbanProWeekly - MAY 9 - 22, 2022

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“Laugh Don’t Shoot” Paine College graduate brings his stand-up show to Augusta ATLANTA Three-time BET Comic View comic LARRY “COOP” D. VEAL is bringing his comedy show called “LAUGH DON’T SHOOT” to the CSR A on Saturday May 21st.

Veal, A Paine College graduate, and former probation officer, is not only a longtime standup comic, but also the founder of an enrichment curriculum & mentoring program for troubled at-risk youth learn called BE MORE POSITIVE. The program, created by Veal in 1996, teaches sound decision-making and conflict resolution skills, as well as helping to bring solutions and resources that could address one of America’s major crises: gun violence.

“Much of today’s senseless gun violence stems from issues and frustrations from this two-year pandemic,” Veal says, “In addition to gut-busting laughter, LAUGH DON’T SHOOT seeks to encourage people to think before they do something that could hurt others or themselves. The slogan for these shows is ‘Get Mad, Get Over it, Be Free, Focus on the Positive.’ “ The BE MORE POSITIVE enrichment curriculum and mentoring program has a track record of helping hundreds of youth get back on the right track with its mentoring services.

Participants of BE MORE POSITIVE either attended alternative schools, were on their last leg of the school discipline cycle, or sentenced to community probation through the court system.

The Augusta leg of the LAUGH DON’T SHOOT comedy tour will be held at Ikonz Sports Bar at 1515 North Leg Road, featuring ATL comics Greg Langford & Christy Gavnell, and local comics Skyler Q. Andrews and Lorenzo Williams. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at Eventbrite.com.

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“From addressing the affordable housing crisis to bringing high paying jobs to our area, the vast majority of challenges we’re facing are issues we resolve through community development projects. . . District 6 is too far behind to elect leadership that has to learn how to handle these issues on the job.”

UPW: Tell us about your Augusta connection – years as a resident, a student, or business or career-related experiences?

Jeremy Johnson: I’ve lived in Augusta since 1997. I‘m a Hephzibah High School graduate and got my first business license here when I was just 20 years old. After joining the military and eventually being stationed back at Fort Gordon, I served our country during the day as a soldier and our community during the evening as a real estate investor.

UPW: Have you run for political office in the past? If so, what positions? If not, why is now the time that you think you want to enter this challenging arena?

Johnson: I’ve not run for political office before, mostly because I enjoy the hands-on aspect of community development. Most people like watching HGTV. It’s the same for me except I get to apply what I learn in a way that improves Augusta.

As Commissioner, I’ll actually have to take a step back on the hands-on facet. However, I’ll be able to help

Augusta stride forward in terms of implementing policies that generate much needed community growth.

behind to elect leadership that has to learn how to handle these issues on the job.

UPW: You are aware of your opposition. What aspects of your personality do you feel gives you the edge over the rest of the field?

UPW: What do you feel is the most important shortcoming in the presently constructed Augusta government that your election would work to remedy?

Johnson: I don’t view the other candidates as opposition, I see them as community activists. The problem is, District 6 needs more than activism.

We need leadership with a proven track record of bringing investment and growth back here. That’s where they fall short.

UPW: What aspects of your business or chosen career do you feel makes you the best qualified to become the District 6 Commissioner?

Johnson: From addressing the affordable housing crisis to bringing high paying jobs to our area, the vast majority of challenges we’re facing are issues we resolve through community development projects.

Just being blunt, District 6 is too far

Johnson: Lagging investment. The reality is, no city collects enough money from taxes alone to keep things vibrant and growing. Instead, when you visit other cities that are growing and have the amenities we lack, it’s because those cities excel at attracting investment.

We’ve got to create initiatives and policies that shows the value Augusta brings to the table. As a real estate developer, I know what it takes to drive investment to our communities. I speak their language.

UPW: What do you think is the best use for the vacant Regency Mall complex in South Augusta?

Johnson: Regency Mall is a large tract of land that would work well for a mixed-use project. We

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MEET THE CANDIDATE: Jeremy Johnson • Commission Dist. 6

call them villages; developments where residential units are placed in walking distance of local businesses.

UPW: Thank you for being an active participant in our democratic form of government. Do you think the average citizen understands or appreciates how our complex political system works?

Johnson: I don’t think anyone totally understands how complex the political landscape is, especially when you factor in the many perspectives from which people see the issues. Great thing is, it’s a landscape that’s easier to navigate when we make it a point to stay involved beyond simply voting.

UPW: What issues will be at the top of your agenda if you are elected?

Johnson: Among my top priorities is tackling the current affordable housing crisis. If you don’t have safe and suitable housing, you don’t have a solid foundation upon which to build.

UrbanProWeekly - MAY 9 - 22, 2022

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Paid For by the Candidate

I will lead from the front by engaging a city-wide cleanup campaign.

“I have a track record that focuses on doing instead of talking.

Augusta’s next mayor needs to be accountable to the taxpayer. I will do just that.”

UPW: Tell us about your Augusta connection – years as a resident, a student, or business or career-related experiences?

GARNETT JOHNSON: I am a lifelong Augustan, 53 years and counting. I graduated from Butler High School, Class of 1987 and Augusta University, Class of 1998 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and a concentration in Business Management. I am a proud local business owner. President and Owner of Augusta Office Solutions, a company founded in 2010. My business has grown organically and through acquisitions, the most recent being Modern Business Solutions in 2020 and Weinberger’s Office Supply in 2019.

UPW: Have you run for political office in the past? If so, what positions? If not, why is now the time that you think you want to enter this challenging arena?

GARNETT: This is my first seeking a public political office. My campaign is focused on a conversation no other candidate is having, “who’s on the side of the taxpayer?” Too many neighborhoods in Augusta have been left behind. As mayor, I will prioritize bringing infrastructure to

UPW: What do you think is the best use for the vacant Regency Mall complex in South Augusta?

GARNETT: Regency Mall has become an eyesore. I have met with local investors and nearby property owners ready to commit a revitalization of the corridor leading to and around Regency Mall. A public private partnership will be a stepping stone for increased development, investment, and beautification of Gordon Highway. The current state of Regency Mall is barrier for advancement.

all parts of the city, with a focus on under-served and underrepresented parts of Augusta. Six months ago, I stood on the corner of Tobacco and Windsor Spring Roads and announced my candidacy for mayor by making a promise: “Come back and look at this old, forgotten building in six months.

The change will be a taste of the action you’ll see from me as Mayor of Augusta.” Since October of 2021, I have worked to renovate an empty fast-food restaurant and turn it into a community-driven access point to local government for people living on the south side. I have a track record that focuses on doing instead of talking. Augusta’s next mayor needs to be accountable to the taxpayer. I will do just that.

UPW: You are aware of your opposition. What aspects of your personality do you feel gives you the edge over the rest of the field?

GARNETT: I am relatable and a consensus builder. I find the common ground that helps usher results and bi-partisan support. Let’s focus on the items we agree on that help advance our city which creates a bridge for trust, which is needed and missing, especially when we come across dis-

agreements.

UPW: Thank you for being an active participant in our democratic form of government. Do you think the average citizen understands or appreciates how our complex political system works?

GARNETT: The citizens of Augusta have a strong desire to live in a clean, safe, and prosperous community. I know this from conversations at forums, meet and greets, fish fry’s, and while visiting neighborhoods. Increasing access to information and collaborating with citizens on initiatives will help those who want to be more involved. Our government needs to provide reasons for citizen engagement and as mayor I will work with department heads, community leaders, and stakeholders to give any citizen a chance for participation.

UPW: What aspects of your business or chosen career do you feel makes you the best qualified to become mayor of Augusta?

GARNETT: As a small business owner, I am responsible for the overall profitability of my company. As mayor, I will take those same principles to improve how we spend our tax dollars.

I believe there needs to be transparency and accountability with tax dollars.

We should try to provide monthly budget, revenue, and spending reports in forums, town halls, and online. All citizens of Augusta should be able to UPW: What issues will be at see how much the city is taking in and how and where it’s going. This just the top of your agenda if you are continues to emphasize my message elected?

GARNETT: I’m going to go on “who’s on the side of the taxpayers?” the record and say that I will not UPW: What do you feel is the most need a $500,000 budget to run important shortcoming in the pres- the mayor’s office. One of the first ently constructed Augusta govern- things I’m going to do is turn in ment that your election would work the county gas card, turn in the county vehicle, and I’m going to to remedy?

GARNETT: I want to ensure the pay for my own travel. I want to services provided to our residents are focus resources on informing taxeffective and productive by conduct- payers of city initiatives and issues ing an organizational and efficiency to increase communication and review. I also want to clean this city up. collaboration

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MEET THE CANDIDATE: Garnett Johnson • Mayoral Candidate

UrbanProWeekly - MAY 9 - 22, 2022

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#gardencityjazz june 27 : july 25 code: UPW text UPW to (706) 528-6855

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UMOJA VILLAGE

1. ELECTION PRIMARIES: Democrat and Republican primaries in South Carolina will be held Tuesday, June 14th. Democrat and Republican primaries in Georgia will be held Tuesday, May 24th. We must participate 2. REGISTER TODAY: On Saturday, in record numbers to move forward to the November General April 30th from 1 - 3 PM, Aiken Election those candidates who and Charleston (SC) Chapters of will best represent your interests. The Links, Incorporated will offer

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the last of a three-part series of Heathy Homestead webinars focused on Heirs’ Property, Homeownership, Financial Literacy, and Estate and Retirement Planning.

On April 30th, four excellent session leaders/presenters will focus on”Access to Economic Prosperity-Gaining a Seat at the Table, Home OwnershipObtaining Mortgages, The Rights and Risks of Heirs Property, Sustainable Forestry Programs, and Building Generational Wealth,” etc. Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting /

register/tZYvcOuqrzssGdenXMYuXilCsN0hgKzZcqbX 3. COUNTY FUNDS RESERVED FOR NONPROFITS: As it currently stands, Aiken County Council will discuss at a work session on Tuesday, May 3rd, 6 p.m., the application and funding processes for $2 million ARPA appropriations reserved for nonprofits. Please make plans to attend.

UMOJA=UNIT Y, visit www.umojavillage.com

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Be proud to tell your children/grandchildren that you voted. To check the status of your registration or to register today, go to either www.scvotes. org or www.gavotes.org In case you haven’t listened to WAAW 94.7 FM, SC House District 82 Representative William “Bill” Clyburn has opposition for the first time in many years.

UrbanProWeekly - MAY 9 - 22, 2022

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