Augusta Commissioners blast forced resignations, blame mayor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – For some Augusta commissioners the changes in leadership in city government was anything but the proper policy decision.

“The only reason behind this is… it was vindictive, it was payback, and it was political. The good ole boy system wants what the good old boy system wants, and they got it yesterday,” said Commissioner Jordan Johnson.

On close votes, commissioners approved the forced resignations of interim Administrator Takiyah Douse, Procurement Director Geri Sams, and Finance Director Donna Williams.

Douse, spending two and a half years as interim administrator, was surprised that there was a deputy marshal on hand to escort her out.

“The Administrator – the young lady that has given the city two years and seven months of exemplary service; that has given this city two budgets over; that has done two budgets over a billion dollars. How can you justify having her to give her resignation?” said Commissioner Tony Lewis.

City leaders who supported the resignations say it is about needed change for Augusta

“Drive around Augusta. You see the work that needs to be done. You see the condition of our city. Change needs to occur, and I think leadership change needs to occur,” said Mayor Garnett Johnson.

But as a news conference opponents say, the move was orchestrated by the mayor because the three stood up to him for not following the city credit card policy, according to Commissioner Johnson.

“Tell me one thing that either one of those individuals have done to warrant them to have to resign from their positions other then tell power no,” said Commissioner Johnson.

“They can call it politics. They can call it whatever they want, but change will continue. We’re going to make a better community,” said Mayor Johnson.

City leaders left bitterly divided, and for now, that’s not going to change.

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