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 The Chronicle welcomes you online! Please feel free to respond to these editorials or letters to the editor by sending your letters to the editor.

We condense letters; most, as published, won't exceed 300 words. A letter must include the writer's name and city, which will be published, and an address and telephone number for verification, which will not be published. Writers may be limited to one letter every 30 days. Open letters, letters to third parties and poetry are not considered. Letters from people living outside the Chronicle's circulation area usually are not considered.

Grand jury's mission

Web posted January 15, 2000

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Augusta Chronicle Editorial Staff

As Augustans seek a better quality of life for a new century, let's remember that the conduct and stewardship of our public officials have much to do with our community's future. That's why the special grand jurors recently empaneled to probe governmental operations and possible corruption have such an important task.

The impact the grand jury and its adviser, District Attorney Danny Craig, can have on exposing and rectifying deficiencies, waste and abuse could affect Augusta and its governance for the next 20 years. Jurors should leave no stone unturned in trying to find and indict wrongdoers on the public payroll.

Aside from checking the routine operations of municipal government, jurors are just now beginning to probe everything ranging from contracts (especially involving the water system and the OMI deal) to the Fire Department and its capability to protect and serve. All this should be welcomed by progressive citizens.

Mayor Bob Young, last November, referred to the city as ``a cesspool.'' Let's hope such a label will be a bad memory after this special grand jury methodically finishes its clean-up.