Should "Special" Panel Investigate Parking-Gate?

The big "P" sign stands for parking, but could also stand for problems at the new Reynolds Street parking deck, in downtown Augusta.

“When you're dealing with the taxpayers' money, let's make sure everything is on the table. A lot of times...where there's smoke, there's fire, innuendo's. Let's get them clear,” says Augusta Commissioner Grady Smith.

To clear the air, Augusta Commissioners approved a forensic audit into the TEE Center and parking deck deal in December, but that's still weeks away.

Smith also wants to clear the air, proposing a Commission sit-down, a meeting with Marriott Hotel and city lawyers to discuss the entire TEE Center parking deck deal.

“I think we should get into the room with the other side, let's get all the facts on the table,” says Smith.

Activist and former mayoral candidate Lori Davis also is trying to get to the bottom of the TEE Center parking deck mess, and feels a forensic audit is only one option.

“So, we’re looking at several routes, possibly a grand jury, forensic audit, legal action...all of this is still in the works,” said Davis, who is scheduled to address the Commission Tuesday on the parking deal.

Back in late 1999, possible government corruption got special attention in Augusta with the creation of a special grand jury. So, does the TEE Center and parking deck deal warrant another special investigative panel.

“That's up to the DA's Office, if they want to do that. If we want to invite them into the house, that's fine, I don't have anything to hide. I haven't made any deals,” says Commissioner Joe Jackson.  

“If there is a problem, you know, let’s get it corrected....the best way, for both sides," says Smith, who supports a special grand jury. "If we have to,” he said.

But, the special grand jury lasted three and a half years, with the only result a scathing 120-page report.

“There are benefits, but if they end up with some type of 200-page document stating 1,500 different things, and you don't get anything out of it, won't be the route to take,” said Davis.

In 1999, the Superior Court in Augusta created the special grand jury at the request of then Mayor Bob Young, but current Mayor Deke Copenhaver is not going to make a similar request.

“Let me ask you this, George. What did that result in? Nothing, that was another waste of time and effort. We don't need another grand jury, trust the legal opinions we have and move forward,” said Copenhaver.

The Commission is scheduled to vote Tuesday on new management agreements for the new Reynolds Street deck and the city-owned deck at the Marriott Hotel, but the swirling controversy over the parking deck makes that vote anything but a sure thing.