Talkin’ Turkey

Sometimes it is simply time to talk turkey and Thanksgiving week seems to be as good a time as any for straight talk. Last week, the elephant in the room at the County Commission meeting didn’t get addressed because of a lack of time. That is right- in a meeting that lasted four hours, there simply was not enough time to address the funding of the Chamber of Commerce and EDOC. Newly appointed Director of the Chamber Helton spoke to the issue before it was presented, because he was first on the agenda, but David Seal’s motion to rescind Chamber and EDOC funding for the current fiscal year and use those funds for property for industrial development through the IDB never made it to the floor and Seal never had the opportunity to answer the monologues that have been coming his way during the last few County Commission meetings.

Do I think that Seal’s motion has the wings to fly? In theory, I believe that he has the majority of Commissioners on his side. Transparency is a cornerstone of government and, if the people believe that you are hiding something it is hard to justify. After all, as all good governing officials know, government rides on the people’s dime. As a very intelligent man once said “Don’t forget who brought you to the dance”. The people most certainly have the right to transparency in their government. The question with the Chamber of Commerce and EDOC is if they are bound by the same obligations to the people as the government. It is my opinion that if you receive tax payer funds, you are responsible to the tax payer. After all, it is their money. And, if you don’t want to be held to that level of transparency, then don’t ask for the money.

So, does Seal’s motion have the wings to fly? In its current state, probably not. Most elected officials are loath to remove funding already committed in a fiscal year. What I think is more likely to get the nod is a proclamation of sorts. Helton has promised that the Chamber is looking at policies and that he will push to make adjustments. So, hold him to the promise. Should the County Commission decide to make a statement that they believe that the Chamber of Commerce and EDOC owe at least some level of transparency to the tax payers, it will give Helton the teeth he needs to institute some changes. Will they satisfy a public that has had enough of hiding behind closed doors on any and every level? I don’t know. It will largely depend on how it is handled. Sometimes the best way to diffuse a situation is to acknowledge a person’s right to be upset.

Talking Turkey-get rid of the four hours meetings-give all school system employees a bonus-when the bids get back, quickly fund Building 8-give your secretary enough hours to get the job done and the Sheriff the funds to secure the Courthouse and last but not least, take a stand for transparency for the tax payers, like Seal’s motion or not, the idea behind it is right on the money (the tax payer’s money).

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. When all the meetings are adjourned and the lights are turned out, Jefferson County is still a wonderful place to live. I am thankful everyday for my family, friends and home. I am truly blessed. From my family to yours, may God bless you and yours! Happy Thanksgiving!