UPW Urban Pro Weekly

UPW

What’s a penny worth?

Why voters will hold their nose and support passage of SPLOST 7

URBAN PRO WEEKLY

OCTOBER 22 - 31, 2015 VOL. 5 NO. 8

It’s a Wildcat salute

Laney HS cheerleaders at Josey’s Grant Field. The Wildcats defeated the Eagles 31-0. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Eddie Bussey 706-772-9800

UrbanProWeekly - OCTOBER 22 - 31, 2015

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Spring Semester Begins January 4th

Apply Now! AUGUSTA • (706) 771-4000 COLUMBIA COUNTY • (706) 651-7368 THOMSON/MCDUFFIE • (706) 595-0166 WAYNESBORO/BURKE • (706) 437-6801

A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia Equal Opportunity Institution www.augustatech.edu

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COMMENTARY

Brother, can you spare a If you want to vent your frustration over decades of lax accountability and questionable reprogramming of SPLOST funds, then vote against SPLOST 7. But unless that’s your beef, there are plenty of reasons to vote for SPLOST 7.

By Frederick Benjamin Sr. UrbanProWeekly Political Analyst AUGUSTA everal weeks ago, City Administrator Janet Allen Jackson shot me an email correcting the fact that I indicated that the penny sales tax under consideration was just an extra penny. It is not an extra penny, Jackson reminded me. It’s the same penny that we’re already paying.

I immediately saw her point and promised to set the record straight.

Lest anyone get the idea that the $215.5 million special local option sales tax (SPLOST) that will be on the ballot in Richmond County on Nov. 2 is an additional tax, let me state categorically that it just maintains the status quo.

The question that residents of Richmond County have to ask themselves is, what’s a penny worth?

Here’s the situation. The 2013 ice storm ripped a multi-million-dollar hole in the city’s general fund. Even before that, the city made the silly move of beginning renovation of the municipal building before a funding source could be identified. When SPLOST 7 failed, the city was left holding the bag so it had to go an alternate route to get the renovation completed. If this next SPLOST package passes, the city will have the funds to repay what it has loaned to complete the renovation.

I opposed the last attempt to impose a SPLOST measure simply because there was too much funny business in there (and I’m not talking about the bucks for Paine College and other nonprofits). The mayor had some goodies in there for himself and his pals that run the canal projects. Also, the commission was very cavalier in its insistence that it could use the SPLOST funds for virtually anything that it wished. In addition, it seemed that no one in government could produce a concise list of the past SPLOST projects, what was spent, what was not spent and how “unprogrammed” funds could be creatively rerouted. Even sitting commissioners could not get an accurate accounting of what’s what as far as SPLOST monies are concerned.

When SPLOST measure failed and the city fathers had to go back to the drawing board.

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UPW

This time around, however, the politicos and bureaucrats down at City Hall bent over backwards to shed the perception that the latest SPLOST effort would be another crass giveaway attempt.

In fact, they may have bent over too far backwards.

They completely shut out the arts and cultural and community enhancement organizations for the next five years. I believe that its an urban myth that the last SPLOST 7 was defeated because of the inclusion of the dreaded NGOs (nonprofits and arts groups among others).

Sure, it didn’t pass, but it just narrowly missed. Despite Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle’s assertion that the last SPLOST package failed because the NGOs were included, no one knows for sure. You could as easily argue that there were plenty of other reasons for the measure’s demise.

For instance, the lineup opposing the sales tax the last time around was formidable. Many sitting commissioners failed to get behind it. Many mayoral candidates failed to endorse it and the pro-SPLOST rollout was anemic. But the main problem with the last SPLOST package was that it was on the ballot with a bunch of candidates and other issues. Voting against it was way too easy.

Past experience in Richmond County suggest that single-issue referendums like local sales tax measures almost always succeed if they are decided at special elections rather than as part of a more general election like the last time. That’s the case, this time around.

In my opinion, the commissioners got a wee bit too timid when they chased all of the nonprofits out of the game.

If things go badly this time around, pro-SPLOST officials may wish that they had included the NGOs. Those “with some skin in the game” are more likely to bother going to the polls.

Still, the anti-SPLOST groups have a uphill battle in trying to get their troops to the polls to vote against SPLOST 7. A Facebook rant is a far cry from putting gas in your car, driving to the polls, filling out the forms and casting your ballot — just to make a statement.

The last time around, they went to the polls to vote for their favorite candidates — and while they were there, decided whether or not to support continuing the penny sales tax.

URBAN PRO WEEKLY

Urban Pro Weekly

2746 Willis Foreman Road Augusta, GA 30815

Publisher URBAN PRO WEEKLY LLC 706-836-2018 urbanpromedia@yahoo.com

CEO / Digital Content / Sales FREDERICK BENJAMIN SR. 706-306-4647 editor@urbanproweekly.com

What’s a penny worth?

The following are some of the categories covered by the $215.5 SLOST 7 package $35 million municipal building debt service $25 million grading and drainage $15 million new public safety radio system $9 million new public safety vehicles $8.5 million Wrightsboro Road $7.5 million three new fire stations $6.65 Rocky Creek flood reduction $6 million Hyde Park drainage $6 million Ft. Gordon Gate 6 project $6 million Coliseum Authority $6 million new fire vehicles $5 million new public defender offices $4 million trails and River Walk $4 million parks $4 million community center improvements $3.5 million SPLOST admnistration $2.5 million Engineering administration $2.2 million sheriff training facility $2 million swimming pools, splash pads $2 million ADA sidewalks rehabilitation $1.5 million demolish 401 Walton Way $1 million Walton Way improvements $1 million museum asset mgmt.

Contributors VINCENT HOBBS Photography & New Media KEN MAKIN contributing columnist

UrbanProWeekly - OCTOBER 22 - 31, 2015

THE CITY

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Josey 0 Laney 31 Josey High School’s Nathaniel Foreman gains yardage as Laney’s defense line goes for the tackle during a game between the two rival schools at Josey’s Grant Field.

The Wildcats defeated the Eagles 31-0 in the final score.

Photos by Vincent Hobbs

(Left) Josey cheerleaders try to lift their team.

(Above) Laney band members entertain the crowd.

5 UrbanProWeekly - OCTOBER 22 - 31, 2015

SPORTS FOOTBALL

UrbanProWeekly - OCTOBER 22 - 31, 2015

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(Above) Team Aerodynamix planes fly in formation during the 22nd Annual Boshears Skyfest and Fly-In, held at Daniel Field. Photo

by Vincent Hobbs

22nd Annual Boshears Skyfest and Fly-In The SubSonex MicroJet blasts above the runway during the 22nd Annual Boshears Skyfest and Fly-In, held at Daniel Field. The jet can reach speeds of 300mph and perform acrobatic maneuvers.

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

UrbanProWeekly - OCTOBER 22 - 31, 2015

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COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS Tabernacle Baptist Church to host Pretty Girls Rock Conference Tabernacle Baptist Church’s Medical and Women’s Mentor Ministries will host its annual Pretty Girls Rock Conference “RealityCheck,” on Saturday, October 24, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. 2:30p.m. The conference is FREE and open to young ladies ages 12-19. The conference will be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church’s Family Life Center.

Pretty Girls Rock: “RealityCheck” is a conference for middle school and highschool aged girls. This conference is designed to address: Self-esteem, Pregnancy Prevention/ STD’s, Personal Hygiene, Purity/Abstinence, Dating Violence, Physical Development, Interviewing Skills and Spiritual Principles.

This year, the featured conference speakers are Jerrie Freeman, Clatina Gilchrist, Minister SonyaRivera, Dr. Joi Rogers, Vik Varwoo, LaSaundria Walker, Minister Tanea Washington, Nakiska Jefferson and Ala’Torya Cranford.

“As ministries, we aware of these problems and choose to be part of the solution. Through these discussions we hope to change the mindset that generally predisposes girls tot hese issues.Our aim is create an intimate and comfortable environment for the girls to openly engage in topics presented to them,” said Ashley Thomas, conference organizer.

Due to the sensitive and mature nature of content that will be discussed and shared with the conference participants, each participant must provide a signed consent for from a parent or guardian allowing participation in the conference. Girls will not be allowed to participate in the conference without a completed consent form. Forms will be available on the day of the conference at check-in.

Registration for the Pretty Girls Rock Conference is now open and will end on October 23.Register for the conference online at www.tbcaugusta.org. For more information, call (706) 724-1230 or visit Tabernacle Baptist Church website at www.tbcaugusta.org.

George Sykes plays the bass as he performs with the Buzz Clifford Trio at the 8th Street Riverwalk stage on Sunday evening. The free jazz concert featured several bands performing on the stage. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Georgia Driver’s Education Commission awards grant to Augusta Technical College Augusta Technical College has been awarded a grant in the amount of $17,836.00 from the Georgia Driver’s Education Commission.

The grant, which runs from July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016, will help finance driver’s education locally by providing classes with thirty (30) hours of classroom instruction and six (6) hours of behind-the-wheel experience with a trained instructor.

“Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers and we are committed to providing students with the education and experience needed to avoid tragedy” said GDEC chairman Harris Blackwood. “This grant will help Augusta Technical College equip young drivers in the community to be safer when they get behind the wheel” continued Blackwood.

“Augusta Technical College has always been dedicated to educating our community, and this is an opportunity for us to educate and promote safety to our young people. This training is something that they can always build upon,” said Andrew Jefferson, Director of Continuing Education at Augusta Technical College.

For more information about the driver’s education program, contact Andrew Jefferson by phone at 706-771-4090 or email at ajeffers@augustatech.edu.

Bobby “Cigarette” Jones plays the saxophone as he performs with the Buzz Clifford Trio at the free jazz concert at the Riverwalk. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Jam with the GSU Jazz Ensemble The Georgia State University (GSU) Jazz Ensemble will embark upon its Fall 2015 tour on October 22-23 with a performance in Augusta. The band will visit and perform at five Richmond and Columbia County high schools and host an evening jam ses-

sion at the Cotton Patch Jazz & Blues Cafe.

The Thursday night jam session, held at Cotton Patch Jazz & Blues Cafe (816 Cotton Lane), is open to the public. There’s no cover charge, and all musicians are welcomed to join in.

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UrbanProWeekly - OCTOBER 22 - 31, 2015

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UrbanProWeekly - OCTOBER 22 - 31, 2015

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MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin

The Great Stormwater Mystery

Were beautification plans with the stormwater funds just plain stupid — or sinister?

How can something designed to be beautiful look so ugly?

When it comes to the Augusta Commission, the devil can often be in the details.

Last Tuesday, commissioners tabled a plan to use future stormwater fees to beautify city gateways. For the record, they should have not only tabled the discussion, they should have eliminated it entirely.

When city officials sold stormwater fees to the community – or pushed them on us, whichever your preference – they told us that the fees would be needed for vital infrastructure.

Now, practically weeks later, some city officials want to use those funds for beautification, of all things?

When I first heard the news, I responded to it just like you all did.

I felt disrespected and betrayed. Like many of you, I vowed that the city should not see another dime of taxpay-

ers’ money. I declared that residents needed to vote “no” on the upcoming SPLOST package.

Then, I took a step back and thought – what if there are individuals on the Commission who ACTUALLY want SPLOST to fail?

Oh, I know it sounds crazy. But think about these key points: • The majority of commissioners literally labored to implement the stormwater fee. The proposal, which had been in the works since 2012, sought to find a funding mechanism to deal with the long-standing problem of floodwater and infrastructure in the community. The Commission was so conscious about public opinion, they had practically held up the vote since last November. Now all of a sudden, our commissioners don’t care about residents’ feelings regarding stormwater?

• Even though it was obvious that our city needed a funding mechanism

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS Don’t Miss the Annual JB Turkey Giveaway On Monday, Nov. 23, 2015 at 8:30AM at Dyess Park turkeys for Thanksgiving will be given out to the public, but first you must register.

Registration will be held at Dyess Park on James Brown Blvd. on October 24, 31, Nov. 7 and Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. each day.

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bill or a signed lease agreement for proof of residence.

For more info email info@jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org or call 803-6402090 Also, the info for the JB Toy give registration is posted on our website. Go to www.jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org

Third Annual Shine a Light on Campus Ghosts Saturday, October 31 at the Georgia Regents University’s Summerville Campus. Get to know the friendly ghosts on the Georgia Regents University’s Summerville campus. This walking tour of the campus showcases the ghosts’ stories and historical antecedents. The event starts at 6 p.m. with a “Jack O’Lantern” lantern craft for younger walkers. The walk will start at 7 p.m. Walkers will meet at the JSAC patio. Bring flashlights if you feel you need them. Flashlights will not be provided.

Stitching the Stories: Annual Quilt Exhibition From now through December, 2015, at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, The Brown Sugar Quilters’ Guild from Atlanta, Georgia will display a wonderful array of the artistic quilts, created during the peri-

od 2014-2015. They have been sharing their phenomenal skills through the Laney Museum for many years. Join us as they share their quilting experience as exhibitors, lecturers, and storytellers.

for stormwater-related projects, the Commission as a whole fought like cats and dogs over the fee. The rift really started after West Augusta Alliance president Sonny Pittman spoke out against the fee last November, calling the Commission (and its black majority) “liberal tax spenders.” I firmly believe there are still forces at work within city government that want to sabotage stormwater AND SPLOST. • The blind arrogance of counting one’s chickens before they have hatched. The city hasn’t collected one cent of stormwater fees. Are we to believe that city leaders would be so dense as to repurpose those fees before the collection process? Sounds like a recipe for resident-inspired lawsuits against the city of Augusta.

There are so many things that are unclear to me in this situation, even the fact that District 1 Commissioner Bill Fennoy was listed as a collabora-

tor on the beautification effort.

You see, it makes even less sense that Fennoy would want to divert any resources from infrastructure toward beautification. His district needs new roads and pipes more than any other district.

Here’s what is clear to me – the city needs stormwater and SPLOST to give our city leaders a financial base to work with in the spirit of improving our city. Why our leaders insist on messing that up and creating a culture of distrust is a great mystery, indeed.

Ken J. Makin is the host of “Makin’ A Difference,” an online radio program available on iTunes and Soundcloud (soundcloud.com/makinadifference).

Updates on the show are available at facebook.com/makinadifferenceshow. You can also reach Ken by email atmakinadifferenceshow@gmail.com, or via Twitter @differencemakin.

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