Get Hankerson to get things done

Former Augusta Commissioner Bobby Hankerson's breathless 11-vote re-election loss in 2005 was attributed by many to an odd rebuke of his ability to get along with his white colleagues. Apparently, some saw that as a bad thing.

How's that working out for us?

Here's how: The man who beat Hankerson, outgoing Commissioner Calvin Holland, recently promised he'd be in office until the end of the year, "So I will be there being a thorn in somebody's side."

That's not how the Rev. Hankerson sees the job, and thank heaven for that. We need a few more roses, a bit fewer thorns.

Hankerson believes in cooperating and working with others to achieve progress for the city. He's pro-growth and pro-progress. But the right kind of progress: Even as a private citizen these past few years, Hankerson helped stave off an unwelcome mixed-use development in south Augusta.

Hankerson supports bringing back economic development ombudsmen who used to coordinate efforts downtown and in south Augusta. He's bullish on remaking the forlorn old Regency Mall, perhaps into a water park and more (since, he notes, Augustans must travel to smaller Statesboro to enjoy one). And he wants more investment in streets and other city infrastructure.

Going up to City Hall to be a thorn in someone's side may feel good, but it doesn't get things done.

Bobby Hankerson has gotten things done, and will continue to do so. It will be a much different political climate and city as a result if District 5 voters return him to work on the Augusta Commission.