Election historic for female diversity on Augusta commission

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Tuesday’s election saw an outcome that one former commissioner is happy to see.

“I’m excited, I’m a little jealous. When I was on the commission, you know, I had ten men to work with, with the commission and the mayor, so this will give a little more of equal representation,” said former Augusta Commissioner Mary Davis.

Tuesday we saw Commissioner Francine Scott win reelection, so did Commissioner Catherine Smith McKnight.

Newcomer Tina Slendak took the open District 7 seat, and with Stacey Pulliam not running for another two years, that means four of the ten commissioners will be women when the new commission is seated in January, making it the most female diverse since consolidation.

“It’s the first time in the city’s history that we’re going to have four women serving on the commission. I think it speaks to how this community is progressing,” said Commissioner Jordan Johnson.

“I think it’s wonderful. I look forward to working with Tina and my colleagues, Commissioner Scott and Commissioner Pulliam. I think we’ll be able to get a lot done,” said Commissioner Catherine Smith McKnight.

Former Commissioner and Mayor Pro-Tem Davis says, for the women, there could be strength in numbers.

“Sometimes it was hard for me to really be heard, and understood. So I think this will make things smoother  It’s just going to be good to hear more perspectives and that’s going to be good and sometimes it could help tame the mood too,” said Davis with a laugh.

And starting in January setting city policy is going to be a lot more women’s work.

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