Harper resigns Ward 1 seat

Ward One City Councilor Holly Harper announced her resignation from the governing body Monday night.

Harper said serving on the city council was worthy of 110 percent of her effort and she is no longer able to give that level of effort.

"You are going to be missed," Mayor Kristey Williams told Harper. "We all appreciate your service."

Harper asked that her resignation be considered effective immediately.

The council must have an opening before any replacement could be considered. The process will begin at the next meeting of the governing body on Nov. 19.

Public hearing rescheduled for Dec. 17

The Augusta City Council had to reschedule a public hearing due to a mistake by their official publication.

The Augusta Daily Gazette ran the first installment of the legal publication commissioning the hearing but failed to publish the second notice the following week. Due to this mistake, the process had to be reapproved at Monday's city council meeting and delayed until Dec. 17, 2012.

Full text of Holly Harper's resignation

I've been doing some serious soul searching and have made a decision in regard to my city council post. For the last year I have been absent more than I think is appropriate. I feel badly that I have missed meetings and believe that it is time for me to resign. Ward One deserves someone who has the time and resources to serve completely. This decision has not come easily. I have really enjoyed being on the council but I do believe that this job of all jobs is worthy of 110 percent and I unfortunately am unable to give that.

I have taken the responsibility very seriously. To serve the community in which we live is an honor. The ripple effect of the decisions made by council affects not only the the citizens of Augusta but often our county and state. And by the same measure; many decisions we make are due to a directive from the federal government, or state, or county. The gravity of that process is not to be taken lightly. The importance of safety, taxes, finances, environment, and economic development, longevity of business, reaching into the future, beautification and so forth are critical to our citizens and to generations to come.

I want each and every single one of you to know how much I love you. I am honored to have had the privilege of serving with you, with past Mayor Ross Rountree and Mayor Kristey Williams. I give credit to city staff and those of you who are serving with strength. I admire you all for the service you give for the research you do and time that you devote to better our city. The hob is often thankless. I would challenge you as a body to remember that you are a team. Our community is counting on you to make a difference.

I do have someone in mind to fill my vacancy and would respectfully request that you consider Mr. Jason Lowery to serve in my place. He is a long time Augustan. He is the Assistant Pastor at Haverhill Christian Church; he has served the cities of Emporia and Derby as a police officer, and has been on numerous boards. He and his wife have two sons and he is wholly supported by his family. He is bright, honest, hard-working, articulate, and civic minded. I believe that this gentleman would be a good fit for the council and he has every intention of seeking election next term.

I know the sacrifices you all made to serve, I applaud you. Keep up the good work.

Holly Harper