Report: Race divides city

Grand jury presentment blasts commissioners for using skin color as a tool of government

Web posted Saturday, January 13, 2001

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By Heidi Coryell
Staff Writer

RELATED STORIES: • Report targets commissioners • Race divides city • Grand jury urges city reform  THE 2001 REPORT (in pdf format): •  Page 1     •  Page 2 •  Page 3     •  Page 4 •  Page 5     •  Page 6  PREVIOUS STORIES: • Jurors call for special grand jury • Grand jury wonders at city's purchases • Reports: Connections play role in hiring • Grand jury report 1999 • Jury report vindicates city • Creation of special panel a first in city, officials say

Racial politics reared its head in city government Friday as the special grand jury cited numerous incidents in which Augusta Commissioners used the race card to further their own agendas.

In its scathing indictment of commissioners, the grand jury said it has discovered ``many instances where race was the tool used, not to entitle the disenfranchised, but to empower a faction.'' The section on commissioners' roles and attitudes said the elected officials painted certain city employees as racists to push them toward resignation.

In the report, the grand jury cited a finance department employee who said he left after ``being targeted with racist allegations.''

Brenda Byrd-Pelaez, interim human resources director, said this sort of racial gamesmanship needs to cease.

``I'm upset that we are still focused on black and white,'' said Ms. Byrd-Pelaez, who is black. ``I think we give it too much lip-service.''

Grand jurors laid the racial climate in city government squarely at the feet of commissioners, saying ``it has become increasingly evident that racial issues produce a constant undercurrent.''

The report acknowledged that racial inequities still exist throughout city government. But jurors focused more on what they noted as ``racial double standards'' where white employees experience discrimination from minorities within the system.

``It probably happens on both ends,'' said Commissioner Marion Williams. ``We're trying to make the plan even on both ends - trying to make sure everybody is treated fairly.''

The report also said commissioners were overstepping their bounds as policy makers, which often crossed the line between micromanagement and civic duty.

Grand jurors recommend placing defined limits on officials' involvement in the day-to-day activities of city employees. They also said that commissioners should have a more in-depth knowledge of the city's various departments and that oversight of those departments should be handled through the appropriate commission committees.

``Frequently, (commissioners') actions reflect a disregard for the well-being of our community as a whole,'' grand jurors wrote. ``In fact these servants of the people often act in so shortsighted a manner that it divides the community. This leads to lingering doubts about their judgment and their dedication as leaders.''

The report accused commissioners of failing to stay within the defined limits of setting policy and directing the government through the city administrator's office. As a result, personal agendas often muddy the waters, grand jurors contend.

``The Special Grand Jury has found that ... commissioners routinely ignore chain of command, often giving orders directly to county employees.''

But commissioners responded that, often, following up on a constituent complaint requires contacting a city employee.

``We are policy makers,'' said Commissioner Steve Shepard. ``But we are also constituent service representatives, too.''

Commissioner Andy Cheek acknowledged that he has been criticized for being too involved with city employees, but he says he has never crossed the line.

``I'm sure that the micromanaging thing will be held over my head, if not by the grand jury, then by others,'' Mr. Cheek said. ``But quality assurance is not micromanaging. It's part of my job to help solve the problem.''

Grand jurors said future presentments will reveal a pattern of abuse by commissioners overstepping ``obvious boundaries.''

In summation, the report charged residents with being more responsible about whom they put in office.

``We advise the voters to look carefully at those whom they elect,'' the report stated.

Reach Heidi Coryell at (706) 823-3215.

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