Georgia County Government - December 2008 - (Page 6)

PRESIDENT continued from page 5 affords us the opportunity to do, I am sure there are new resources we can tap into, as local officials are called upon to ameliorate any dearth of funding for human services that might ensue, to offset the negative impact it can have on those populations who cannot speak loudly before the legislature on their own behalf. When government spending is tight, I also believe it does place the additional burden on local officials to make sure fewer citizens go hungry, homeless and neglected. The cost is high for the whole community if we do not make sure all is done that can be. I envision more active community volunteerism, civic organizations and faithbased outreach to make sure the needy and the elderly do not fall through the cracks for lack of federal and state government safety nets. Because the needs will surely persist even as funding becomes scarcer, as I close my tenure as ACCG president, I urge all my fellow commissioners to remember all the citizens in their communities in difficult months ahead. We have embraced regionalism in new ways. We have facilitated the best for our communities in terms of facilities, educational opportunities, and alliances with the private sector, recreation for young and old and economic development that brings the entire state new and better opportunities. As I leave ACCG and my commission post in Clayton County, I am mindful too of my own opportunities to volunteer, and by my own efforts, make my community a better place in any way I am able. Looking toward the future from ACCG’s past year of progress – a year during which, as your president I was grateful to serve – I can vouch that the association will reap new avenues of progress from the Strategic Planning Process being put into place to cover from 2009 to 2014, when our association marks its centennial celebration. With the support of a dedicated ACCG Executive Committee, including Immediate Past President Tom McMichael of Houston County, First Vice President Jan Tankersley of Bulloch County, Second Vice President Lamar Paris of Union County, Third Vice President G. Melvin Davis of Oconee County, and Mike Berg of Dawson County, I am happy to report that we succeeded in establishing a solid road map for ACCG’s future with this strategic plan, during a time of uncertainty with respect to the overall U.S. political climate and the economy, underscored by a new level of scrutiny on the efficacy of the property tax. Things are uncertain still. Yet, with the outstanding leadership of ACCG, led by our nationally respected Executive Director Jerry Griffin, Deputy Director Ross King and a first-rate legislative and legal staff, county government officials in Georgia are among the best positioned to make the best out of uncertainty. Working together, we have learned from each other how to attack untenable problems and find solutions in unlikely places. We have embraced regionalism in new ways. We have facilitated the best for our communities in terms of facilities, educational opportunities, and alliances with the private sector, recreation for young and old and economic development that brings the entire state new and better opportunities. When I say to you, you as local elected officials are the backbone of your community’s, I say it from my own experience and knowledge. In closing, never forget how big a difference you can make for your citizens and never underestimate your efforts as you continue to give your best in public service. Then, it will be impossible for you, and your communities, to fail. You are your communities’ best hope during uncertainty. ■ 6 GEORGIA COUNTY GOVERNMENT http://www.hntb.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Georgia County Government - December 2008

Georgia County Government - December 2008 Contents President's Message County Matters 2009 Legislative Forecast: ACCG's Platform for the Coming Legislative Session ACCG Policy Staff 2008 Legislative Awards Honor Georgia Lawmakers Cell Towers and Local Governments Oglethorpe Power Plans Biomass Electric Facilities Georgia's Grand Old Courthouses: Dawson County Extension News: Biofuels Development Research Corner: Implementing a Record Retention Policy County Parade Index of Advertisers/Advertiser.com

Georgia County Government - December 2008

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