The following questions were sent to Augusta Commission candidates in writing, and they returned their answers via e-mail within a few days. Some answers were edited for space.

COMMISSION DISTRICT 1

Four people -- originally five, before Anthony Jones dropped out -- are vying to replace Betty Beard, who chose not to seek re-election.

Integrity, Integrity and Integrity. I have rebuilt my life and can approach the issues facing Augusta and District 1 with the same faith that I have applied to my own life and circumstances.

2. What, in your view, should the Augusta Commission be doing to stem the flow of residents moving to Columbia County and other surrounding communities?

The perception of local government has to change. People are tired of the gridlock and lack of follow-through with issues that the voters have agreed upon.

3. Would you vote to issue bonds to build a $36 million to $38 million TEE center on the previously selected Reynolds Street site, coupled with issuing bonds to jump-start revitalization of the Laney-Walker and Bethlehem neighborhoods?

This question should not even be on the table. The voters approved this initiative and ground should have broken on the project immediately thereafter. I have decided to run for county commissioner due to this type of inefficient lack of progress. I am just as concerned about Laney-Walker and Bethlehem neighborhood revitalization.

I believe that I am the most qualified candidate for the position of commissioner, District 1, because of my independence, experience and training.

2. What, in your view, should the Augusta Commission be doing to stem the flow of residents moving to Columbia County and other surrounding communities?

I think the Augusta Commission should learn from the experience of our Richmond County magnet schools. More importantly, we should stop talking about what's wrong with Augusta and focus on what's right with Augusta.

3. Would you vote to issue bonds to build a $36 million to $38 million TEE center on the previously selected Reynolds Street site, coupled with issuing bonds to jump-start revitalization of the Laney-Walker and Bethlehem neighborhoods?

I think that one has nothing to do with the other. Revitalizing neighborhoods, including Laney-Walker and Bethlehem, is a major part of my platform.

Because I am open and progressive minded, a visionary, and want to serve the people. I love Augusta. I see the need for transparency in government; therefore, I will speak for the people and in turn translate and communicate issues and agendas back to them.

2. What, in your view, should the Augusta Commission be doing to stem the flow of residents moving to Columbia County and other surrounding communities?

The Commission should stop arguing and get down to business because it's stifling the progress of the city. People flee the area because they are concerned with jobs, AYP, and low graduation rates. The commission needs to get on one accord and focus on the tasks at hand.

3. Would you vote to issue bonds to build a $36 million to $38 million TEE center on the previously selected Reynolds Street site, coupled with issuing bonds to jump-start revitalization of the Laney-Walker and Bethlehem neighborhoods?

Before I decide on either of those, I would consult my constituents during my breakfast/town-hall meetings to find out what they are in favor of. After all, I am a representative of the people.

I am a proven, tireless advocate for all of the people of District 1 and the city of Augusta. I am advocating a Chronic Nuisance Properties Ordinance to protect neighborhoods. I will NOT participate in back-room deals, secret meetings or racial caucuses.

2. What, in your view, should the Augusta Commission be doing to stem the flow of residents moving to Columbia County and other surrounding communities?

The commission and school board need to find creative solutions to making our schools better and bringing more jobs to Augusta. Tax fairness. Property owners should not continually be forced to bear the vast burden of taxes to fund our local government.

3. Would you vote to issue bonds to build a $36 million to $38 million TEE center on the previously selected Reynolds Street site, coupled with issuing bonds to jump-start revitalization of the Laney-Walker and Bethlehem neighborhoods?

Richmond County voters should make the decision on whether any more public debt should be incurred for the TEE Center. Stay away from debt and use what we already have. Neighborhood revitalization should never have been linked with the TEE Center. That was a wrong political decision.

COMMISSION DISTRICT 3

Two candidates stepped forward to challenge incumbent Joe Bowles.

1. What is your plan for addressing the litany of complaints surrounding Augusta Public Transit, and its $4 million per year loss?

We should invite bids from professional management firms to run this department. If they can save the city money let them do so.

2. What, in your view, should the Augusta Commission be doing to stem the flow of residents moving to Columbia County and other surrounding communities?

Don't tax our citizens out of the city.

3. Would you support giving the city administrator authority to hire and fire?

No. If he/she feels a department head should be fired it should be documented in the annual review and the commission should take the appropriate action.

1. What is your plan for addressing the litany of complaints surrounding Augusta Public Transit, and its $4 million per year loss?

First we would need to review the complaints then organize and prioritize them. The $4 million per year loss can only be addressed through revitalizing the service.

2. What, in your view, should the Augusta Commission be doing to stem the flow of residents moving to Columbia County and other surrounding communities?

They are moving to enhance quality of life. If we could enforce some of the existing ordinances for loitering and noise, and clean up our vacant properties, perhaps this would slow down the mass exit.

3. Would you support giving the city administrator authority to hire and fire?

I wouldn't mind giving him authority along with the department head. I think someone from each area should be involved in the process of hiring and/or firing of employees.

1. What is your plan for addressing the litany of complaints surrounding Augusta Public Transit, and its $4 million per year loss?

By bringing new ideas such as making Augusta Transit rider-friendly and maintaining a consistent bus schedule and more efficient routes. Although these ideas will not solve the deficit problems, they may give us a better idea of what we need to do more of.

2. What, in your view, should the Augusta Commission be doing to stem the flow of residents moving to Columbia County and other surrounding communities?

Work with our government officials/stakeholders, such as the Chamber of Commerce, Board of Education and community leaders and elected officials to improve Augusta-Richmond County's Image.

3. Would you support giving the city administrator authority to hire and fire?

No, I feel the current hiring and termination process is adequate.

COMMISSION DISTRICT 5

District 5 is a heated race with former Commissioner Bobby Hankerson seeking the seat he lost in 2005 to Calvin Holland. Bill Lockett, who is endorsed by Mr. Holland, is seeking his first term in public office. Mr. Holland chose not to run.

1. If elected, name some things you want to accomplish during your tenure.

Work to develop a one-stop government complex to consolidate services. Will work to bring to south Augusta a huge year-round "South Regency Amusement Park" with a giant roller coaster, rides and a huge water park. Bring new businesses to south Augusta. Bring projects to Augusta that will generate revenue.

2. What is your plan for addressing the 72-acre Regency Mall site?

It will be difficult to sell for the price the owner is asking for it. We may have to condemn it and put the one-stop government complex there, including the law enforcement satellite station and other government offices and services. We can have large banquet and conference rooms. Huge city water park.

3. Would you vote to issue bonds to build a $36 million to $38 million TEE center on the previously selected Reynolds Street site, coupled with issuing bonds to jump-start revitalization of the Laney-Walker and Bethlehem neighborhoods?

I will decide after the committee that was appointed by the mayor gives their report. I really need more information. I would like for all the commitments to be fulfilled.

1. If elected, name some things you want to accomplish during your tenure.

I will work to increase job training and employment opportunities; strive for safer communities; assist neighborhoods in developing local covenants that will preserve property values; support efforts to ensure the availability of quality-of-life programs and facilities that sustain the needs of our young and our senior citizens.

2. What is your plan for addressing the 72-acre Regency Mall site?

Regency Mall should be purchased and demolished to make room for mixed-use housing that would have green space, bike and walking trails, medical facilities, community center, and other entities that will cater to our aging population. Augusta residents should be suspicious of wild and poorly constructed proposals to develop this site into a mini-Disney World.

3. Would you vote to issue bonds to build a $36 million to $38 million TEE center on the previously selected Reynolds Street site, coupled with issuing bonds to jump-start revitalization of the Laney-Walker and Bethlehem neighborhoods?

No. The commission should disburse the $20 million authorized by the electorate, or review the cost-benefit analysis for the citizens. It's not simply an issue of borrowing money. What also should be considered is the extent to which residents incur the cost of such projects in the form of increased taxes during a period of economic uncertainty.