Could Woody Merry Impact Augusta Commission District 1 Race?

Augusta, GA—Bill Fennoy says it comes up all the time on the campaign trail, the fight he had with Woody Merry at the James Brown Arena last year. Fennoy is running for the Augusta Commission District 1 seat. And for one, he’s not happy to hear Woody Merry is back. “A lot of people are really disgusted at the antics of Woody Merry. A lot of people were happy he had been silenced for so long,” he said.

Merry is no longer silent, holding a town hall forum to rail against city government, Thursday night. Merry put his political group, CSRA Help, on hold in January of 2008. So, why come out at this time just days before a city election? Some of those running in District 1 have a possible idea.

“I think he’s trying to make people remember what happened between him and Mr. Fennoy. I don’t know if that’s a good thing, or a bad thing. I don’t have any personal feeling about it. If he’s going to energize the community to come out and vote, I would appreciate that,” said District 1 Candidate JoRae Jenkins.

Based on early voting, few are fired up about this upcoming election. So, will Merry’s meeting serve to pump up interest, and does that help any of the candidates in District 1?

“He very well could impact the election. I’m all for people being more cognizant in our government,” says District 1 Candidate Butch Palmer.

“I don’t think he does, because Matt Aitken is running his campaign, and he’s doing his thing. I don’t think he helps or hurts Matt Aitken’s campaign,” said District 1 Candidate Matt Aiken.

“So, if he’s going to energize anybody to go out and vote for JoRae Jenkins, on November 3rd, congratulations,” said Jenkins.

“I think the only thing Woody’s presence can do is motivate this community to come out and vote and it will motivate my supporters to work a little harder to try and get me elected,” said Fennoy.

Merry dismisses, out of hand, any claims he’s bringing back his group CSRA Help to influence any election.