New candidate enters Augusta mayor race

Monday, Feb. 26, 2018

(News 12 at 6 O’Clock / NBC 26 News at 7)

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- A new face is in the race for Mayor of Augusta, current Mayor Hardie Davis now has a challenger.

Gould Hagler is new to Augusta politics, but he’s had his hands in several downtown growth projects.

Starting next year, the mayor will be leading the city during a crucial time. Whoever is leading is going to have a lot to juggle with $200 million in riverfront investments, transportation projects, and so much more.

So, is it time for a change?

“It seems like now is the right time, and it seems like the city needs somebody to step up to the plate.”

Or should Augusta stay the course?

“Everyone can see that we’ve moved from a place of potential as a city to a city of opportunity.”

Mayor Hardie Davis wants to take on another four years at the helm. His plan for the next four years? Building on the new investments downtown, and creating more across the city.

"Look at the fact that we have investments being made in downtown that historically were not being made. Obviously, we've been successful in bringing investments from outside the community in as well.”

His opposition, Hagler, says Augusta needs a change in leadership. Hagler has not narrowed down his focus for the job, he says it's about creating more opportunity all over Augusta.

"That's what I see with the mayor's role here, big picture ideas, and delegation to people we can work along with.”

Davis has another project he wants to tackle, one many say is the biggest in Augusta; blighted, abandoned properties. He says the answer might be green spaces instead of empty spaces.

"This is another way to add value to those spaces, whether it's a community garden that people are participating in. We certainly don't want to have food deserts in our community."

They both agree Augusta has a bright future ahead, and they want to help guide its success.

"Augusta can benefit from a lot of growth in a lot of our various areas.”

Hagler has been on a number of local committees like for the Imperial Theatre and Sacred Heart, so he has had a front-row seat to a lot of the growth here. Tuesday, Mayor Hardie Davis is expected to give an update on new projects he has on the line in his ‘State of the City’ address.