Former state senator Charles Walker encourages voters to approve change to city's charter

The consolidation of Augusta that happened in 1996 marked a pivotal moment in our city’s history, one borne out of necessity and vision for a sustainable future. At that time, the city faced potential financial ruin, and consolidation was seen as a crucial step to avoid bankruptcy and stabilize our local government.

Key community leaders including myself, Tom Allgood, Jack Connell, Don Cheeks, Billy Morris, Monty Osteen, Henry Howard, George Brown, David Hudson, Ben Allen and Don Grantham took bold actions. Our goal was to unify Augusta and strengthen its governance. This move was about more than just maintaining positions; it was about creating a framework where Augusta could thrive economically and socially.

Now, 30 years later, we see both the benefits and complexities that consolidation has brought. We’ve gained a more streamlined government and improved financial stability, but challenges in functionality and internal disagreements have also surfaced. These are not signs of failure but indicators of our city’s dynamic nature and our commitment to continuous improvement.

Today, we stand at another crucial juncture. It’s time to build on the foundation laid three decades ago. This is not just about tweaking the system but transforming it to reflect the current and future needs of all Augustans. We propose revising the charter to enhance our government’s efficiency and responsiveness to citizens’ needs.

Imagine a government that not only functions well but also truly represents and serves its community. We can achieve this by reducing bureaucratic red tape and ensuring that our elected officials are empowered to act decisively and transparently.

Moreover, Augusta is on the move. We are witnessing growth and opportunities like never before, and we want every resident to be part of this journey. Your involvement and support are crucial. By revisiting the charter, we will ensure that our governance structure is robust, fair, and capable of propelling Augusta forward into a prosperous future.

I understand that change can be unsettling, but I assure you that these changes are geared towards making Augusta a better place for everyone. By modifying the charter, we will make real progress a reality, not just for some, but for every resident of Augusta.

Let’s embrace this change together and continue to build a city that we are all proud to call home. Join me in this movement for a stronger, unified Augusta. Together, we can and will make a difference. Vote yes!

Charles W. Walker

Augusta

(The writer, a former state Senate majority leader, represented the Augusta area as a state representative from 1982 to 1990, and as a state senator from 1990 to 2002, and 2004 to 2005.)