(LOOTPRESS) – The greater good. In many respects, this is the charge of anyone who is elected to serve the public in any capacity, serving the greater good.
When it comes to being a County Commissioner, this often means serving all the citizens in the county by pursuing projects, supporting initiatives, and working with groups that provide benefits to the whole and not a few parts.
Past County Commissions often did not focus on the greater good in their support of special interest groups.
This support was often accomplished through the use of taxpayer dollars without any accountability for how those funds were being used or any transparency that this was indeed how taxes were being spent.
This lack of transparency and accountability now has consequences that the whole of Fayette County is beginning to realize. This is best demonstrated by the condition of three of our most important properties. The Fayette County Courthouse and the Fayette County Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building have fallen into a state of disrepair.
The current Commission is now in the difficult position of having to try to catch up the needed maintenance and repairs that have accumulated over a number of years.
Similarly, the pool at Fayette County Park remains closed, largely the result of cutting corners when the pool was initially constructed and a similar lack of maintenance. These three properties and their poor condition are due to past decisions to allocate funds to a few rather than focusing on the needs of the whole county.
As a Commissioner, one of my goals continues to be making sure funds, including taxes paid by citizens, are used to support all areas of Fayette County. For example, I identified the need to end county funding for the New Roots Farm along with county support that was provided through the resource office because the farm did not serve everyone in the county. These types of decisions are not always easy or popular, but they are necessary to maximize the benefits realized by all citizens.
In many cases, these special interest groups have access to funding through grants, donations, and fundraising the county cannot tap into. The mission of these groups can still be accomplished through these alternative revenues.
Not all special interest groups serve small numbers of people. Groups like the food pantry, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Fayette County Humane Society all receive support from the County Commission. Each of these special interest groups provides a valuable service to the county. Collectively, they all support the many communities and constituents throughout the county. These special interest groups truly serve the whole and not just a few parts.
Special interest groups do have a role to play. However, their role must be balanced with the needs of the whole county. The future and purpose of Fayette County cannot be driven by any one group. Instead, it must be focused on accomplishing the greater good for all.