These measures would allow the citizens of Augusta Richmond County an opportunity to join in the conversations to make an informed decision.Ī charter change, without seeking voter approval as well as properly educating the public on how this said change will impact our city, could potentially dismantle local government and take it out of the hands of the citizens and the officials elected to represent them.įor these reasons I respectfully request that you take the aforementioned suggestions into consideration prior to making such an impactful decision.THE BIGGER PICTURE: Cancelo has gone on to make five appearances for his new club since joining, with all but one of them coming as a starter. A large part of that due diligence could include, but is not limited to: a study committee that is reflective of the citizens in Augusta Richmond County getting Carl Vinson Institute of Government (or a similar institution that is able to conduct a neutral study) involved for guidance in the matter and conducting a series of charrettes. On behalf of my constituents and myself, I am opposed to changing the Augusta charter without having done our due diligence. Hello my name is Stacy Pulliam, Augusta Richmond County Commissioner District 2. “You can’t go wrong with asking the people,” said Mayor Copenhaver. What this is is a need to have a conversation about what this means for our community and let the citizens weigh in.” Johnson added, “If someone wants a vote, fine. “What the Mayor’s asking for the state to do is put it on the ballot in November so everybody can vote whether they feel the Mayor should have the right to vote or sit there silently as usual and only break ties,” District 10 Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle told FOX54. It seems to be something on which our local leaders, past and present, can agree. Why would you not have the one elected official who runs at-large, and is elected city-wide, not have a full vote like the rest of the commission and add to the quorum?”įOX54 shared the request from the mayor’s office first on Tuesday and as it makes its way through Georgia’s legislature, Augustans wait to have their say come November. Former Mayor Deke Copenhaver said, “To me, it’s common sense.