News Summary
Augusta has appointed Tanya Barnhill-Turnley as the interim representative for District 4 following Alvin Mason’s resignation. Barnhill-Turnley, a local marketing consultant, aims to serve until a special election is held on November 4, 2025. The commission meeting emphasized the importance of strong representation for the district’s residents. Additionally, the upcoming elections will include key races for the Augusta County School Board, heightening community engagement in local governance.
Augusta has officially appointed Tanya Barnhill-Turnley as the interim representative for District 4, following the resignation of Alvin Mason due to personal health concerns. The appointment took place during a commission meeting held on a Tuesday, where commission members expressed their gratitude for Mason’s service and emphasized the importance of ensuring continued representation for the over 25,000 residents of District 4.
Barnhill-Turnley is expected to be sworn in within the next few weeks and has a professional background in marketing, operating TM Consultants located in Hephzibah. She previously ran for the District 4 seat in 2007 and has shown support for Mason during his campaigns. As the interim representative, Barnhill-Turnley will hold the position until a special election is conducted.
The special election to elect a permanent successor to Mason will take place on November 4, 2025. The winner of this election will serve for the remainder of Mason’s term, which concludes at the end of 2026. District 5 Commissioner Don Clark underscored the significance of this upcoming election, noting the necessity of establishing a strong and effective leadership for the district moving forward.
The November election is poised to include not only the pursuit of a new District 4 representative but also races for three open seats on the Augusta County School Board. These races will contribute to shaping the educational landscape in the Augusta area. Current school board chair David Shiflett will run unopposed in the Middle River District, while in the Pasture District, incumbent Timothy Simmons will face competition from challenger John Ocheltree. The Beverley Manor District will also see a competitive race, with three candidates vying for the seat: Butch Wells, the spouse of the retiring incumbent, and newcomers Daniel Whitmire and Daniel Ferraro.
As the electoral timeline progresses, early voting for the general election will commence on September 19, 2025. Voters are reminded that the deadline to register or update their voter registration is set for October 14, 2025. This timeline presents an opportunity for community involvement in shaping not only the representative for District 4, but also the educational governance that impacts the district’s youth.
The resignation of Alvin Mason marks a significant transition for District 4, reinforcing the ongoing evolution of local governance. In light of Barnhill-Turnley’s appointment and the upcoming elections, residents are encouraged to engage in the political process and make their voices heard during this defining period for their community.
As the political landscape continues to shift, the filling of the District 4 seat and the special election serve as essential components in maintaining effective representation for the constituents of Augusta. With Barnhill-Turnley stepping into the interim role, the district is positioned to move forward while preparing for a permanent solution to its leadership needs.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle: Nov 4 Election for District 4 Commissioner
- News Leader: Augusta County School Board Election Ballot
- WRDW: Richmond County School Board Candidates Forum
- Augusta Press: Mason Resignation Triggers Special Election
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Augusta
