I agree with your choices. I think both Hankerson and Palmer would be Independent voices and would not be beholden to the special interests that have been running this city for decades.
I am writing this letter to share with you some of my findings and thoughts on those running for the Augusta Commission races.
I do not live in any of the districts on the ballot, but I have researched those running. I even went and met one gentleman running for District 1: Butch Palmer. The things I found in researching the candidates were candidates who had served prison time and those who seem to have difficulty paying taxes for years.
I was hoping that Augusta would have some candidates with good moral backgrounds and wanted the job to actually serve their community that is electing them. What I found was only one candidate in District 1 who fit that bill, and so I had to go meet him to see if he was for real. Butch Palmer grew up in District 1 and has always lived in the district, and has worked hard to serve his community and keep it safe.
The other candidate I found to be outstanding in his community is the Rev. Bobby Hankerson, running in District 5. I could not find anything negative or dishonorable about him or his character.
I think the citizens would do themselves and the community proud by electing these two gentleman to the Augusta Commission. They are not being backed by the elitists in Augusta who run this city in the background; they are being backed by Joe Public -- people who just want someone good and honest to represent them.
Joanne Reese
Augusta
Comments
I agree with your choices. I think both Hankerson and Palmer would be Independent voices and would not be beholden to the special interests that have been running this city for decades.
Butch is real..
Here we go again ... the city of Augusta is not just a minority community. Why do some of us think that being black requires extra special attention from those in elected office? We should be seeking a candidate who is fair to everyone.
To justus4, Mr. Hankerson and Ms. Smith are of the same race so I don't believe race was the issue for his vote to terminate Ms. Smith, do you????
Butch Palmer will not serve special interest groups. We have seen what special interest has done to Harrisburg. There are 4 landlords who have a stranglehold on Harrisburg, and all four are very well known in the political community. These landlords are now in the third generation of destroying our area. They have been allowed to skirt code enforcement, open illegal boarding houses, collect exorbitant rent from drug dealers, and rent property that should not be rented to anyone. They continue to buy up the worst houses in the area, and do just enough to open them for business. A Chronic Nuisance Property Ordinance which Mr. Palmer is advocating will put a stop to this. Landlords will be held accountable for the behavior of their tennants, as well as the decency of their property. The other candidates in District one have yet to embrace this idea. Four illegal boarding houses were just shut down in Harrisburg, thanks to Mr. Palmer. These are all owned by one of the 4 landlords in question. elect Mr. Palmer, and, "Pay offs," will end.
I have known Matt Aitken for 25 years and, although he is the candidate that had gotten into trouble in his early years, he is now an upstanding citizen with an unblemished record of community service. Let's all remember Obama admitted to drug use and going down the wrong path in his youth and he is now the president.
gooooooooooooooooooooooo butch!!! you rock friend!!
justus4 again confirms by denouncing Hankerson and stating his complaints regarding him that Hankerson is the best man for the job. His other accusation that Hankerson is not the best candidate for people of color is baseless and absurd. For one thing, Bobby Hankerson IS a man of color. For another, he is a man of integrity who listens, says that he will get something done about a matter and then actually DOES SOMETHING ABOUT IT. He works with people based on their skills, interests and work ethics instead of basing his choices on skin color. Unlike some people we are all too familiar with.
You said it all, FallingLeaves......great job
To Only The Truth, and how is Obama working out for you. I know millions are without jobs & homes and a worthless government health plan is being shoved down our throats. I don't think you have helped your candidate by referencing Obama
The only issue that Aitken has been specific about is the TEE Ceneter. He wants to push ahead with the tainted current proposal and is against a public referendum. I'm glad he has turned his life around, but his position on this one issue shows poor judgement in my book, and it indicates he is more interested in what the special intersts want rather the rest of us. It's got to be Butch in this election. He has the clear plan and the guts to get it accomplished.
Mr Palmer would be the guard for the people. He has worked very hard to solve Harrisburg problems. He deserves the chance to serve district one.
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