Public Servant, Publicly Active

Running a local newspaper as I do, I tend to know a little of everything that is going on.

Mind you, I don’t keep up with school events as well as I did when my children were in school, but I still have an interest and read my local paper to be in the know.
Someone from the newspaper is at most public meetings and events, and more often than not that person is me.

You’ll often see me at events such as the Market Festival on the Square, the fun day for the Dixie Darlings, the fall Balloonfest, various events on the Square and visitor’s center, etc. I don’t make them all, but I get to as many as I can.

I love being a part of this community. I love getting to know my neighbors. I so enjoy getting feedback, even when it is not positive, on what the newspaper is doing.

I even had the opportunity to go watch the Georgia champion Jasper County Dixie Darlings seven and eight year old softball team go play at the World Series in Sumter, S.C. last weekend. Even though they did not advance past Sunday, they are champions! They are the state champs and they represented us well in South Carolina.

Before the girls left Jasper County to compete in South Carolina, they had a “pep rally” on the Square. Rain dampened things a little, so the group moved inside to the 8 Count. The fun day included the girls, their coaches and many supporters.

A trailer that had been donated by Hooper Trailer Sales was raffled off, and the winner was announced, along with winners of other prizes.

And, as seen on the back page of today’s paper, the team had its picture made with Kyle George of Congressman Jim Marshall’s office.

Mr. George read a letter congratulating the girls on their achievement and wishing them well in South Carolina. Congressman Marshall made it a point to send his regards so the girls would feel very special. It was great.

However, I was disappointed that there was no such letter from the Jasper County Commission or the Monticello City Council. And, of those 11 elected officials, only one showed up at the fun day. And most of those girls attend school—either at Piedmont Academy, Jasper County Primary School or Washington Park School. Where were representatives from the schools?

Perhaps many contributed financially or individually, but it sure would be nice to see them at events such as this.
I certainly understand everyone can’t be everywhere. And, not everyone is lucky enough to work in Monticello, and be able to leave the office to show support for some little girls or whatever else.

I’ve often lamented the fact that I worked so much when my girls were little. But, I also appreciated the fact that I could leave work and attend school programs. I could respond, and respond quickly, if they got sick. Unless I had a meeting to attend, I could take off and watch my girls’ ball game even if I had to go back to work afterwards.

I attended honors day programs. Their teachers knew me, because I wanted them to know me. (They were both good students—well behaved and smart, not much need for the teacher to call me in.)

But, through all these years I continue to be disappointed at the lack of participation I perceive from our elected leaders in community events. Don’t get me wrong…it is not universal.

Mayor Glenn Newsome doesn’t miss much, nor did Susan Holmes before him. And, I realize the council members have real jobs and cannot be everywhere. Also, I’m usually at the market, for example, the last hour, and they might all come and go before I get there. I do see Commission Chairman Carl Pennamon many Saturdays, but where are the others?

One commissioner was talking about the problem of not being able to go out in public without someone bending his ear about county politics. I understand. It would get old. But, maybe if they were out more, that would happen less. Or maybe, they could politely put those people off. I don’t know. I wish I’d get more feedback to the newspaper.

The elected officials represent us, so surely they want our feedback. I also understand they want to be able to go to the market and pick out a cantaloupe without hearing complaints.

I don’t know the answer, but I appreciate Congressman Marshall for being represented, and maybe next time a few city, county, and school officials will find a way to be supportive when our youth are excelling.

Perhaps I’ll see them on the Square Saturday…or at the grocery store, or maybe in church on Sunday. I just hope those who are leading us are associating with a good cross-section of us and loving this community as much as I do.