ATLANTA (February 23, 2023) | Today, Senator Max Burns (R – Sylvania) and Representative Mark Newton (R – Augusta) introduced Senate Bill 231, which would allow for citizens of Augusta-Richmond County to decide by vote whether or not the Mayor of Augusta-Richmond County would serve as a voting member on the Augusta-Richmond County Commission.
“This piece of legislation would allow for the citizens of Augusta-Richmond County to have a voice on an issue that is very relevant to their community,” said Sen. Burns. “The great people of Augusta should be able to decide what is best for them as a collective, which will be done democratically through a vote on a ballot. Rep. Newton and I look forward to working with the Augusta-Richmond Commission and the Augusta-Richmond Delegation to enhance local governance.”
“We received a written resolution by five members of the Augusta Commission and the Mayor requesting a referendum on this matter,” said Rep. Newton. “Sen. Burns and I believe the citizens of Augusta can hear the case regarding both the history and the reasons for this proposed Mayor-vote charter adjustment, and we trust their decision by their vote on this matter.”
SB 231 would allow for the citizens of Augusta-Richmond County to amend the current law of that was put into place in 1995. If passed by the citizens of the county, the Mayor would be a member of the Commission and will have the right to vote on any issue.
Senate Bill 231 has been assigned to the Senate Committee on State and Local Governments. You can read the full text of the bill here: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/64704
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Sen. Max Burns serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics. He represents the 23rd Senate District, which includes Burke, Emanuel, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, McDuffie, Screven, Taliaferro, and Warren County as well as portions of Columbia and Richmond County. He may be reached by email at max.burns@senate.state.gov
Representative Mark Newton represents the citizens of District 127, which includes portions of Columbia and Richmond counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 and currently serves as Chairman of the Interstate Cooperation Committee and Vice Chairman of the Health Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Rules, Small Business Development, Transportation, Urban Affairs and Ways & Means committees.