President's Message
- Volume 51, Number 3 - 2007
ACCA's new president issues a call to action for members...GET INVOLVED!
It is truly an honor for me to be elected president of this Association. It will be an honor for me to represent you, to have the privilege to speak for you, and to be the leader of this Association for the next 12 months. And, even though my service as president is an honor, those of you who know me certainly understand that I am not really all that excited about giving this speech here tonight.
“We all have different talents, different interests and different perspectives. These differences have allowed us to join together into one strong voice to speak for all counties. This togetherness has also allowed our Association to accomplish more as the unified voice of county government than any one of our counties could have accomplished alone.
“And, so it is with me…I am now playing a different role in the Association than in previous years. Unfortunately, my role tonight is not to sit over there in my seat and enjoy the evening. It is a tradition that the president offers a speech. And, I will do that tonight, because it is my responsibility. I will give this speech. But, when it is over, I expect each of you to do your part, as well.
“When I began thinking about tonight, I recalled the very first Association convention I attended. It was many years ago, way back in 1983, perhaps before some of you had even thought about being a part of county government. Much has changed in the last 24 years. But, in many ways, things haven’t really changed at all.
“It is still our responsibility to serve the people; to protect their property; to provide them with safe roads on which to travel; to administer services and programs that improve the quality of their lives; and to ensure that we spend their money wisely.
“The principles of this Association have not changed either. We lean on each other. We draw from the wisdom of those who have been around, and we share our ideas. We stand together, stronger together than any of us can be alone. We might be standing a little stronger today, but the source of our strength hasn’t changed any since Clarke County Commissioner Clarance Watters gave his speech in 1983.
“That’s right. The very first Association president I knew, almost 25 years ago, was from Clarke County. In some ways, we complete a circle tonight with my election to follow my friend from Clarke County, Rhondel Rhone, as president of this important Association. And, that circle – the connection between two Clarke County commissioners and this farmer from Conecuh County – that circle illustrates exactly why this Association is something special to me.
“Again, there have been changes in these 24 years, but the fundamentals on which our Association was built has not changed. And, during the next 12 months, you won’t find Jerold Dean changing the things that have lead to our success.
“President Jimmy Carter offered the nation, and in some ways this Association, great advice when he said, ‘We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.’ Tonight, I urge you to join me in my commitment to hold the principles that have led us to this place, while adjusting to the changing times we all face together.
“I’m not sure, but I don’t believe I’ve missed a single Association convention since that first one in 1983. I’ve not always been the most outspoken, and I’ve not always been on the front row, but I HAVE always been here. And, I HAVE always been willing to do my part. That principle has guided my service – be here and do what you can to help.
“As I look out across this room tonight, I see dozens of people who are just like Jerold Dean – they are not on the front row, and they are not too outspoken, but they ARE willing to do their part. Tonight, and this year, I hope to convince you to step forward – as I have stepped forward – to do your part.
“I don’t really remember much about Clarance Watters’ speech back in 1983. In fact, Rhondel, I don’t really remember all that much about what you said last year. But, I can certainly see the mark you and all the other presidents have left on our Association and our state.
“And, again, I think that illustrates what has made this Association such an important part of our state’s forward progress. We’ve had others who have taken the role as chief over the past several years, and I’ve been more than happy to be one of the followers. I’ve stood mostly in the background, offering my support and my presence. But now, it is time for me – and you – to offer our service.
“For this Association has reached the point where we are no longer limited to looking only at the past. We are no longer limited to a discussion of our accomplishments and a wish and a hope that we’ll do something good in the next 12 months. The question isn’t whether we will accomplish something in the next year. Together we WILL accomplish something. I am sure of that.
“No, the real question is WHAT will we accomplish and WHAT should we do to ensure that our accomplishments continue to be significant in the lives of our constituents?
“I remember when this Association’s convention could be held at any number of small hotels. Now, we really can’t even fit into THIS one very well. I remember when our staff was small, and there was little need for planning for the future. But, that certainly isn’t the case now. Look around the room. I can assure you that you cannot travel to another Association convention and find a collection of more dedicated, hard working, and insightful public leaders anywhere in our state.
“But, we’ve reached a crossroads that we must travel together. For the future of our Association, and in many ways the future of county government, will be shaped by what we do and whether we are willing to accept the challenge that is before us.
“It is time for our Association to change, to expand, to grow, and to be ready for the challenges of the next several years. This growth is not simply for the sake of getting bigger. No, the changing role of county government and the increased involvement of our Association staff demand that we expand our perspectives.
“The members of our 2015 Task Force continue to work to finalize their recommendations for changes and improvements to our Association. The plan for our growth and change will be presented to you in the coming months. At this point, I already know the recommendations will include the need for additional staff and revenue so that we can continue to improve county government. I trust you will embrace the recommendations and will support the need for additional revenue and the other changes that will be proposed.
“And, we must all invest more of our own time, as well. Although we continue to move forward, the participation of our members cannot be taken for granted. Most of you do not remember, but I can recall the days when county government held a much different position in the eyes of the public and our state’s leaders. I remember those days. And, we cannot allow our recent success to lead to a casual approach toward our responsibilities.
“Although the times have changed, we cannot change our commitment and our hard work. We cannot begin to take for granted the position we’ve worked so hard to secure. As long as I am a member of this Association, I will not stand by and allow that to happen.
“And, tonight, I am asking you to rededicate yourselves to join me in that resolve. If you are asked to serve, I believe it is your responsibility to serve with excitement and dedication. If you are not asked to serve, then it is up to you to volunteer for service – just step forward and get to work. As I said at the beginning…the strength of this Association is the involvement of its members. We simply cannot afford to lose that advantage.
“And, finally, we have much before us to accomplish in the Alabama Legislature. Last year, President Rhone spoke of the hundreds of people killed on county roads each year. In the 12 months that have passed, hundreds more have lost their lives in accidents on our road system. We cannot allow this to continue.
“I want to thank Rhondel for raising this issue and for providing the leadership that produced the introduction of legislation to fund the improvement of the conditions of our county roads and bridges.
“This legislative package included a bill to fund a second county-bridge bond issue. There is no question that the original bridge program was one of the most positive things we have accomplished in my time as a county commissioner. And, there are certainly hundreds of other bridges in need of replacement throughout our state.
“But, we need to go farther with the passage of the other three bills that are so very important if we are to ensure the safety of those who travel our roads every day. The other bills include: legislation to allow each local county commission to levy a local gasoline user fee, a bill linking the rate of statewide gasoline user fees to the cost of constructing roads, and bridges and legislation changing the point of collection for our highway user fees.
“Together, these four bills will move us forward in our ability to provide safe travel and to support the wheels of economic growth in our state. The table has been set on this issue. It is time for us, as county officials, to make sure the public is aware of the crisis that exists.
“The Legislature will respond if the public demands action. It is our challenge to educate and motivate the public to action. If we fail, the real losers will be those who travel on our roads and bridges every day. That’s why we cannot fail in this important effort.
“Our progress together depends on your willingness to make your own personal commitment to be a part of something great. And, our success depends upon our commitment – yours and mine – to the unchanging principles that have gotten us this far.”
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