President's Message - January/February 2001

Six Truisms for Alabama's New Commissioners

While watching the inauguration of our new President the other day, I began to think about all the new commissioners who had just enjoyed the festivities of their first day in office. Four years truly is a very short time and before we know it, another group will be sworn in to take their place.

Once again this year's elections brought a rather large volume of turnover in the county commission offices. Somewhere near 40 percent of the seats that were up for election this year were claimed by challengers. Now, there were some old faces that returned to county government -- Norman Tucker of Cullman County and Jesse Robinson of Clarke County, to name a couple. But most of the new commissioners entered their first day on the job with little idea about the challenges ahead.

I'm positive they were all excited, much like the new President. And, much like the President, it probably didn't take very long for the commissioners to realize that the job wasn't going to be about shaking hands and kissing babies. Some of the work would be unpleasant and distasteful.

And, also much like the new President, most of the new county commissioners will wake up on an early fall morning in 2004 and realize that their long-awaited term in office moved much more quickly than they had expected. This four years will pass very quickly.

Before they know it, the new commissioners will be planning another campaign or setting a course on a new challenge that does not involve county government.

So, while thinking about this new group of county commissioners fresh from their own inauguration, I decided they -- and perhaps even some of the veteran commissioners -- might benefit from, and even enjoy some unsolicited advice from the Association's "Presidential" desk.

So here are six truisms that might help us all survive the next four years in office without too many sleepless nights.

First, remember that you are very lucky.

You have been granted the opportunity to live something that most people will only read about in their civics books. You were sworn into office, posted a bond and now carry out the duties of county commissioner. Our level of government is the most important to the people, because it is closest to the people.

Although I enjoyed watching the inauguration the other day, the changing of the guard in Washington, D. C., doesn't touch the lives of the people in Houston County as directly as the county commission does. And the same can be said for the people in your home county. You are lucky to be given this opportunity. Savor it and use it wisely. And even when people are leaning on you and leveling criticism, remember that public service is an honor.

Second, you will not please everyone. But the mere fact that some people criticize you does not mean you are doing a poor job.

Your term lasts four years -- that is more than 1,300 days. If you are able to make one person happy each day you will have probably carried out the duties of your job very well and will have a pretty good base upon which to build your re-election.

But because you will not be able to please everyone, you must face criticism without allowing it to break your spirit or dampen your resolve. Criticism and complaining is simply human nature. Don't let it slow you down. Do what you believe is right and let the chips fall.

Third, you were elected to serve, not to sit.

Anyone can get elected county commissioner. But not everyone can BE a county commissioner. Your behavior and leadership reflects on you, your fellow commissioners, your county and your colleagues from throughout the state. There's an old saying that you are either part of the solution or you are part of the problem. Don't be part of the problem.

Fourth, if you stay at home, you might as well be at home.

There are many commissioners who must believe that the county line is actually an electric fence to be avoided at all costs. The commissioners who are most effective are those who learn to take part in activities outside their county. You must come to Montgomery and participate in the legislative process if you are to solve the problems of your county. You must use the resources at both the federal and state levels. If you spend all your time at home, your constituents are missing out on great opportunities.

Fifth, you are not always alone.

This is a lonely job, most of the time. There is no one, except you, to speak for county government in your district. No one else to stand and defend the services the county provides to the citizens. No one else to advocate for expanding programs and meeting needs.

I am consistently amazed at how often people take county government for granted. If something needs doing, then it falls on your shoulders to carry out those duties. There is no one else.

But at the same time, you must learn that one of the most important things about this Association is the opportunity it gives us all to develop friendships and contacts throughout the state. The problems you will face are NOT unique to your county and they are not new. Someone has faced and solved the problem that is troubling you today. Utilize this resource.

But remember there will be times when you WILL be alone.

Sixth, and most important, you were not anointed King.

Your term will end. You will be gone and someone else will be in your place. You will be remembered for what you DID, not for what you wanted to do. You will be remembered for what you accomplished, not for what you promised you would do.

It is a privilege and an honor to hold this office. Use it wisely. Savor each moment. For in a very short time there will be another inauguration day.