Save Bethlehem neighborhood from total decay

Before becoming city administrator, Fred Russell toured the Bethlehem area of Augusta with the Rev. William Bass of Tremount Temple Baptist Church. Immediately afterward, he assisted in a cleanup of Picquet Avenue. My first impression of Mr. Russell was that he exemplified genuine qualities of a leader. He is compassionate, caring and willing to listen to the needs of the community, and find ways to move this area forward. He rolled up his sleeves and assisted in the cleanup with a smile.

I have observed many areas of Augusta. Bethlehem is the filthiest area in the inner city. Augusta's Code Enforcement Division is responsible for contacting property owners about abandoned houses or lots.

Recently, Deputy City Administrator Robert Leverett contacted Quincy Jordan and, with an inmate crew, the left side of Gordon Street is now being cleaned. Robin Lane is currently clean, and these areas have been filthy for approximately three to five years.

I cannot praise Mr. Leverett enough. I plan to walk as soon as possible to show him an elderly lady on Chestnut Street complaining about feces being thrown in a lot next to her house because the neighbors are without running water.

Several properties on Maple Street are burned-out structures. The city of Augusta inherited a weed-infested lot on Picquet Avenue that is never cut. The city also inherited a lot on 12th Street. That grass is several feet tall.

In an effort to clean up this community, we need leaders who are compassionate, caring and willing to earn their salaries. Mr. Leverett promised me that he would fix the problem, and Bethlehem is seeing the results. Why are we paying $70,000 to License and Inspection Director Rob Sherman while seeing little improvement?

It's time we stop making issues black vs. white, but wrong vs. right.

Mattie Mitchell, Augusta