It’s Our
Future
This is the
title for the 4 scheduled meetings scheduled across the county to discuss where
WE see the county in 2020.
The first of
these meetings was last Thursday, 6 PM held at the Wakefield Foundation. The
old Wakefield School is a perfect example as to what can be done within a
community by taking what was once a rundown abandoned property, some local
funding, a lot of local support and sweat and building something that is part
of our future.
The evening
began with a surprise for one of those in the audience. Mr. Brian Bain,
President of the Shaketown Riders the motorcycle group from Wakefield. Mr.
Harris, County Administrator, read the declaration and then presented it to Mr.
Bain with his family proudly looking on.
The real
message that we all took home was delivered to us by Brian in the words he
spoke after receiving the plaque. PLEASE LISTEN and tell everyone to seek this
video clip on YouTube and hear from the heart of a young man what it is that we
all can do to lead the County into the future.
Brian Bain
recognition.AVI
Brian's Words of
Thanks, Hopes and Challanges.AVI
Now to the
meeting. This was hosted by the Honorable Raymond Warren with two of the other
6 Supervisors in attendance. Mr. Futrell and Mr. Fly supported Mr. Warren as I
am sure he will be doing the same as they host their respective meetings in coming
weeks.
The meeting
room was full of anticipation and energy as the county began by showing a
wonderful video compilation of pictures taken from around Sussex County set to
music (which they promise will be much louder at the next meeting). This was
very well done and something that should be posted to the county’s web page.
After a
discussion as to the mission and goals of the meeting we all were handed out
index cards on which we were to write what we like best about Sussex County
2020, yes 2020 NOT today.
This
exercise was repeated with another question - what question you say? Come to the
next meeting in your area to find out what that question is. We were told all
cards/comments would be presented to the leadership of the county (The Board of
Supervisors) so that they all can see/hear what OUR hopes and dreams are for US
and the COUNTY.
As one would
have expected the possessiveness of the meeting was tarnished a bit as the
floor was opened and ALL that wanted to speak were given ALL the time they
wanted to bring forth concerns. This was done very orderly and with respect of
everyone in attendance. Topics from the 460 bypass, our Senior Citizens, to establishment of a county
wide taskforce made up of citizens NOT elected county officials, to discuss
countywide opportunities that would then be presented to the Board of
Supervisors at regularly scheduled meetings were discussed.
AND yes several
comments were made about why the Board of Supervisors could not work together
and what it would take for this to happen.
There is a
saying that goes “If you’re in a hole you need to put down the shovels and pick
up the ladder.” Well we have some Supervisors and citizens that are steadily
digging while others are grabbing for the ladders! You know who they are and
you know what you have a hold of yourself.
We all need to begin to
remove our hands from the shovels, one at a time and begin to steady the ladder
that our County Administrator, County Attorney and others have brought to the
County. It is only then that we can even begin to think AND PLAN for the future
of Sussex County.
There are 3
more of these meeting scheduled PLEASE try and attend the one near you …. IT IS
YOUR FUTURE…. IT IS YOUR COUNTY.
Thursday
August 30th – 6PM at the Prince George Electric Coop in Waverly.
Thursday
September 6th – 6PM at the School Board Meeting Room at the High
school Complex
Thursday September
13th – 6PM at the Jarratt Fire House
Many, many citizens in attendance spoke one after the other making it VERY CLEAR that change must happen and it is US (We The People) that have the responsibility to make this change happen. A very loud voice was heard. Could this have been the first step in our long journey to a better managed county??
