Augusta Georgia: Metro:McIntyre enters mayor's race 08/22/02

McIntyre enters mayor's race

With 5 candidates declared, experts predict runoff

Web posted Thursday, August 22, 2002

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Special Section: 2002 Elections

By Heidi Coryell Williams
Staff Writer

An already crowded mayoral race now has one more man in the running, with former Augusta Mayor Ed McIntyre announcing his candidacy Wednesday morning.

Ed McIntyre served as Augusta's mayor from 1982 to 1984. FILE/STAFF
His announcement, though not unexpected, makes a runoff a near certainty, political scientists say. His experience and name recognition as mayor from 1982 to 1984 will make him a formidable opponent, they add.

On Wednesday, Mr. McIntyre explained his move.

"The citizens of our community deserve better than what we're getting out of our government," he said in a telephone interview from his home. He said his late decision came after he talked to and got the support of "hundreds of people."

Qualifying for the mayor's race begins at 8:30 a.m. Monday and ends at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 30.

Four candidates, including Mr. McIntyre, have announced plans to run against incumbent Mayor Bob Young, who is seeking a second four-year term. Others expected to qualify for the race next week are:

Brian Green, a consultant and political activist who has twice run unsuccessfully for the Augusta Commission, in 1999 for the District 4 seat and in 1997 for the District 1 commission seat

Bobby Ross, a political newcomer and the owner of the Green Thumb Garden Center on Central Avenue

Robin Williams, a health care consultant and member of the state House of Representatives until he was defeated by Rep. Sue Burmeister in 2000.

With so many candidates, it's unlikely that one will secure the needed 45 percent of votes in the general election.

"It does almost dictate that there's going to be a runoff," said Ralph Walker, a professor emeritus of political science at Augusta State University.

"Ed will be a formidable candidate," Dr. Walker said. "He already has the name recognition, and many people think he did a good job while he was in office last time. ... His strength is his ability to turn out the voters. Whether he can still do that or not, we'll see."

Mr. McIntyre was Augusta's first black mayor. He resigned after a federal jury convicted him of three counts of extortion in 1984. After serving 12 months in a federal prison, he was released in 1985 and had his civil and political rights restored in 1988.

His political experience also includes two terms on the Richmond County Board of Commissioners. In 1988, he ran unsuccessfully in the Democratic primary for the District 22 state Senate seat, losing to then-Majority Leader Tom Allgood.

In 1990, Mr. McIntyre tried to get his mayor's job back but was defeated by Charles A. DeVaney. He ran against Mr. Young for mayor in 1998 but lost in a runoff.

He said he is running again because he believes he can move Augusta forward.

"It is time that we take the emphasis off black and white," Mr. McIntyre said in a media statement Wednesday. "It is time that we put the past behind us and focus on the future. ... We need a new spirit, a new hope, a new pride and a can-do environment. I sincerely believe that my style of leadership can make this happen."

Reach Heidi Coryell Williams at (706) 823-3215 or heidi.williams@augustachronicle.com.