Choosing Well

editorial-logo3Upheaval is a part of life and government. While the Chamber of Commerce may not be on the minds of many Jefferson County residents, the position/ person at the helm of the Chamber has a considerable amount of influence in Jefferson County. Not only does this person serve, in many ways, as the commercial face of Jefferson County, he/she is also a paid employee of the Economic Development Oversight Committee (EDOC). Both groups consider themselves independent of local government, however both are largely funded by local government.

Recently, there has been a divide between the Chamber of Commerce/EDOC and much of the public. Certainly, it was born in the megasite proposal but it grew beyond the bounds of that project. For many on both sides of the equation, it appeared to be an us against them situation. Citizens cried for transparency and open records for a publicly funded organization. Chamber/EDOC officials and Board Members declined and both the citizens and Chamber/EDOC felt that they were on the wrong end of a witch hunt. A large group of citizen lobbyists were touted as economically ignorant, selfish and incapable of understanding the scope of the megasite project. Chamber/EDOC officials and Board Members were seen by many as being secretive, gullible and thoughtless. It was a bad time in Jefferson County and the remnants of the megasite have lingered like the smell of week old skunk. Just when you think it has dissipated, you catch the scent again.

In his position as CEO of the Chamber of Commerce and an administrative officer (title unknown) of EDOC, Don Cason was at the forefront of controversy. He has thwarted any attempt from citizens to solicit open records or transparency from both the Chamber and EDOC. It is possible that he was acting on the direction of his boards, but, I would contend that it is the one at the helm that drives the vote. Many things could have been done to alleviate the stress on the relationship between Cason’s organizations and the public. Unfortunately, opportunities were lost and issues escalated. Whether it was totally Cason’s call or not, the fact is that with Cason in charge, the divide was destined to grow larger. With a new commission coming in the fall, funding for both the Chamber and EDOC was at risk.

With Cason’s resignation late last week, the opportunity has arisen for the Chamber of Commerce and EDOC to forge a new relationship with the public. I urge the Boards of both bodies to choose well. Not only must this new CEO be knowledgeable enough to drive Jefferson County into a brighter economic future, he/she must be a leader that can, once again, unite the County and bring the citizenship back on board. It is time for this Chamber to look beyond its fraternity like pattern of inclusion and become representative of all of Jefferson County. EDOC was a fine idea with a faulty plan. These organizations need to step up and accept that they threw the gauntlet down, never expecting it to be picked up-but it was. With Cason’s reign coming to a close on July 3, 2014, there is room for a new, better relationship with the public. One that will translate well with the new County Commission and start a legacy of true, appropriate and well planned economic prosperity for Jefferson County. Hopefully, those that have a vote will put thought into their decision. It would be a shame to pass up the opportunity for a new start and, instead, resort to old ways and agendas. Jefferson County is waiting and watching-confident that they will choose well and that the healing can, finally, begin.

Source: K. Depew, News Director