Why was this so hard?

We in neighboring counties appreciate the lack of responsibility by the Augusta Commission. Please keep up the good work.

Actually the entire "system" is a joke and most informed citizens know it. Just look at the voting turnout. It's pitiful, but on to naming the building, "North Augusta across the river and Columbia County up the road" does NOT represent diversity at all. They are operating in an environment where minority participation is absent and thats GREAT for "them" but ask a minority citizens who lives there, and hear the horror stories about blatant prejudice & feelings of hopelessness. And some are so ignorant, they don't know any better. So comparing different counties, without considering the racial makeup of the governing bodies, U ain't sayin' 'nothin. It's apples and oranges...but to the article's question, "Why is it so hard?" The answer involves the element of honesty. The article correctly identifys how previous buildings were named, but some commissioners CAN'T or won't admit that. It's too much for them, it's happening too fast, ya know, with the first Black President and all, so they'd say, "what will my constituents say" or "they'll vote me out if I vote for a Black judge's name or something along those lines. Why is it so hard? Well, the answer: It takes courage.

Columbia County & N Augusta = no diversity. Augusta having an all white county commission or school board isn't going to happen. Savannah would be a much better example.

To this day I REGRET voting for Don, I will never vote for him EVER again. Just wish I was in Joe's district I would surely vote against him.

Columbia County = PROSPERITY and PROGRESS! Richmond = Divided, ignorant and cluelessly ineffective.

After following this brouhaha over the naming of the new judicial center, I have become rather disheartened. I would have hoped that the cooperation garnered from the naming would have led to reconciliation. But it appears to be "business as usual." Augusta Richmond County, while we are mired in a morass of graft, ignorance, and racial politics, other communities are building for the future just as the article said. And Justus, I do agree that the homogeneous nature of their demographics can make it easier to get some things done. But that is not who WE are. We need to take heed to all the voices of all the stakeholders. If changes aren't made, e.g. in the hearts and minds of those in positions of leadership who serve the public, the future will be bleak indeed! Let's get a grant or take some of the funds we'll be wasting on feasibility studies (for projects we won't be pursuing anyway) and use it to get a specialist in racial reconciliation and get this "derailed train" back on the tracks so that we can begin moving forward!

Joe Bowles saved the day as I imagined he would. Too bad he didn't do it before the embarrassing conflict.

The only reason this seems to be a big deal is because of the promotion from this paper and the spin they put on it. The building has a name, let's move on to something with value.

I'm wondering who is keeping those "hopeless" residents prisoners in Columbia and Aiken County. Those "hopeless" people thank God every day that they are not in that City of Augusta mess.

Looks over at CEITPro and LOL... FALLS OUT LAUGHING ooopz.

micheal.ryan, I don't doubt this is a big deal to some, I post every day, but in the overall big picture of what the building is and how long it's going to be in use and how soon the name will be forgotten, it's just another tiny blip on the radar. I'd much rather spend my time pointing out Obama's endless shortcomings than sighing about the name of a building.

Augusta Judicial Center should suffice.

I liked the idea of naming it after Ruffin and I think naming it for its function is also a smart idea. The compromise is okay, but unfortunately awkward because of its length, it doesn't flow well. Simple is usually better. Sorry we couldn't come up with a better-sounding solution while keeping Judge Ruffin's name included.

justus you are an idiot...North Augusta has plenty of diversity...While we are not overloaded with the ""gimme for freecrowd"" we do have our share.....I live in a very diverse neighborhood black and white homeowners who are proud of their homes and work hard at keeping the area safe and lovely....sorry you do not know any of these fine citizens.....but I guess it's just the company you keep.

GO JOE !!! Another non-issue over with...who really gives a flying foot what the name of the stupid building is...no one will call it that anyway...appease the little people and get to work on Really important things.

Justus, just remember, when you're down and out and the world has turned its back on you......suicide's an option.

WP: I do believe WRDW intereviewed Joe Bowles about the media making this such an issue and he agreed with your opinion.

No, Mr Ryan. This was a non issue, fanned in intensity to sell newspapers and TV advertising. Just a name on a sign to the vast majority of Richmond County Taxpayers. Why not turn your highly skilled staff to exposing the endless waste of money on attorneys? Why not turn your talents toward highlighting the positive accomplishments of the Commission? Don't bother answering, we already know it won't sell papers or get you clicks for online revenue.

"Angry and tearful citizens"..really Mr. Ryan, really????...With all the problems this city has with it's inability to move forward on really important issues folks are "angry and tearful" over the naming of a building????......... (only in Augusta)

My turn to take up for Mike Ryan, I suppose. Something I don't always do. But his valid point is that this is a local nonissue that turned into an issue and had many in the community upset by the stalling. It's no big deal, so why not sign off on it, keep everyone happy and let's get to work fixing Augusta?

What is the answer to this potentially divisive issue? Simple, just don't name buildings after citizens, no matter what they're resume. Veterans Memorial Courthouse or Justice Appreciation Courthouse, or some other non-offensive name would do. Of course, there will always be those parked at the corner of whine and moan who won't like this idea either. Yawn.

Sensible, SG. Therefore it will not be considered. My Dad taught me long ago: fight the fights worth fighting and let those which are not go uncontested. Must have worked: he died @ 85 yrs of age with nary a grey hair.

WP, would rather bash Obama than talk about a local issue. Well I am floored.

Marxism practiced by my president affects me much more than the name of a federal building.

Justus-- I am sure that given the opportunity, you and others like you who are smart enough to realize how you have been "victimized" will be more than happy to enlighten those who are to stupid to realize how white people continue to mistreat you every minute of every day. It is people like you who cannot past race, who make it very difficult for others to justify why we should.

Give it a few years and our commission will rename it after another person who they think will give them stature and be a help to them and their "wants".

Angry and tearful about naming a building??? Why not angry and tearful about all of the break-ins, trash along the roadways and the declining tax base?? Lets work on something of substance...

This is the silliest argument ever. If you sit down and read this, all posters have a tinge of racism. I think it is okay to name the building after Judge Ruffin and I didn't even know about him. I also think that naming a building after a person is important because it is an honor and recognition of his/her accomplishments and contributions. I am a white female and agree that Augusta has a long way to go to get out of the black vs. white rut.

I agree don't live there anymore. Of course, from your stated perspective, everyone in America qualifies for the rut.