Is Fred Russell retiring next year? Music to Augusta ears (Jackson: 2013, live)

[amlovingit]

Augusta,Ga (WRDW)----One of the most recognizable faces in Augusta could be leaving next year. Commissioner Joe Jackson tells News12, City Administrator Fred Russell could be announcing his retirement as soon as next month.

Jackson says talks are happening right now behind closed doors about how to find his replacement."You know there's always a parachute plan. Sometimes it's your parachute and sometimes it's just getting pushed out the plane," said City Administrator Fred Russell.

Russell has been with the city as administrator for 10 years. We're told he's lasted longer than any other person in that position.

"Do I think he's out lived he has outlived his life expectancy? I believe so. We are at the end of the road. It's time for some new blood and new ideas," said Commissioner Joe Jackson.

"Mr. Russell needs to go. We talked about him leaving maybe next year," said Commissioner Marion Williams.

Fred Russell's departure has become a regular theme. Russell came under fire for giving $350,000 in raises to certain employees. His resignation was called for again once leaders learned about his plan to call hundreds of acres a slum to pay for the renovations at the municipal building.

"He has mentioned to us that he wants to retire. He came up with a plan on announcing it in January. He also mentioned we should go out for professional services to find a qualified replacement," said Commissioner Joe Jackson.

Jackson says he's not sure if Russell's second in command, Tamika Allen can handle the job.

"I think bringing outside people in, bringing the non-connected people who have no ties to the area will set the stage for Augusta," said Jackson.

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Copyright WRDW-TV News 12. All rights reserved. This material may not be republished without express written permission.

[Skitzy_]

Originally Posted by amlovingit

Augusta,Ga (WRDW)----One of the most recognizable faces in Augusta could be leaving next year. Commissioner Joe Jackson tells News12, City Administrator Fred Russell could be announcing his retirement as soon as next month.

Jackson says talks are happening right now behind closed doors about how to find his replacement."You know there's always a parachute plan. Sometimes it's your parachute and sometimes it's just getting pushed out the plane," said City Administrator Fred Russell.

Russell has been with the city as administrator for 10 years. We're told he's lasted longer than any other person in that position.

"Do I think he's out lived he has outlived his life expectancy? I believe so. We are at the end of the road. It's time for some new blood and new ideas," said Commissioner Joe Jackson.

"Mr. Russell needs to go. We talked about him leaving maybe next year," said Commissioner Marion Williams.

Fred Russell's departure has become a regular theme. Russell came under fire for giving $350,000 in raises to certain employees. His resignation was called for again once leaders learned about his plan to call hundreds of acres a slum to pay for the renovations at the municipal building.

"He has mentioned to us that he wants to retire. He came up with a plan on announcing it in January. He also mentioned we should go out for professional services to find a qualified replacement," said Commissioner Joe Jackson.

Jackson says he's not sure if Russell's second in command, Tamika Allen can handle the job.

"I think bringing outside people in, bringing the non-connected people who have no ties to the area will set the stage for Augusta," said Jackson.

Have information or an opinion about this story? Click here to contact the newsroom.

Copyright WRDW-TV News 12. All rights reserved. This material may not be republished without express written permission.

Something tells me that you aren't the only one that wanted him gone...
Russell fired as city administrator | The Augusta Chronicle

[amlovingit]

Originally Posted by Skitzy_

Something tells me that you aren't the only one that wanted him gone...
Russell fired as city administrator | The Augusta Chronicle

You're right , we need someone that is young with a good vision. I hope they don't have any ties to augusta.

[tckr83]

It doesn't matter who it is... he'll be working for a broken city government, answering to 10 bosses who will all telling him something different to do and gridlock will rule the day. The faces change, but incompetence is something this city government has perfected and the results stay the same. Imagine what this area could do if this roadblock of a power structure was by and large a sign of progress instead of a hindrance.