Twelve-Member Panel Split Six-Six On Appointment

The Augusta, GA, Aviation Commission is having a difficult time naming a new chair, with the last vote ending in a six-six tie between two candidates.

The members have nominated Lowell Dorn and Cedrick Johnson, both of whom are current members of the commission. But after the tie vote December 18th, the board's attorney said that its bylaws do not provide for the scenario, and that Mayor Deke Copenhaver, who is recognized as an ex-officio member of the panel, is not eligible to vote.

The Augusta Chronicle reports that Dorn had been chosen by a special nominating committee, and Johnson had been placed in consideration by commission member Paulett Curry during the meeting. Curry said she had not nominated Johnson earlier because the nominating committee had scheduled a meeting she was unable to attend. Current Commission Chairman Jay Forrester called the development "disappointing," adding that during the nominating process only one person expressed an interest in taking the leadership role.

The paper reports that the commission will table the election until after the first of the year, and its current officers will remain in place until new leadership can be elected.

FMI: www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=548