March 2021- Chairman's Comments

Hello Everyone, 

This past Monday I spoke at the BOC meeting and directed my comments to all of our Commissioners regarding the information provided by Derrick Sims at our convention. I expressed to them the news that the "air had been let out of the tires" on our EDC Task Force.  I mentioned to these Board members that this was disturbing to all constituents and that they should immediately assume ownership and stewardship in the reconstitution of the Task Force.  A bit later in that meeting, Commissioner Gentry offered a new list of volunteers to be on the EDC Task Force, all were voted in unanimously. This was an encouraging sign.  Nevertheless we must make certain this Task Force is not derailed in their mission as there seems to be disturbing competing agendas in motion within our county.

A continued concern of mine is the amount of protection being afforded to county employees who have little record to stand on in terms of their role in providing economic progress and success for our county. In fact there appears to be some resume padding going on as a defense against further scrutiny and any potential restructuring recommendations the new Task Force may suggest for the EDC and our county's Economic Development Department. Bluntly speaking, our EDC as currently structured and operating is a slow rolling  disaster in light of the economic gains that surrounding counties have enjoyed during the Trump administration. Frankly speaking to use a fishing analogy, our current EDC cannot cut bait.

When the EDC Task Force presents their recommendations sometime in May, we can unfortunately expect some of our Republican Commissioners to rebuff their recommendations.  This will be difficult to see and hear.  We have been given advance notice of this from comments recently made by certain Commissioners. This was not why we worked so hard to get these Commissioners elected.  We worked for change in leadership, county sustainability and economic growth. It appears we sadly may have been duped. I hope I am proven wrong.

As conservatives we work together to find real solutions to aid everyone in this county, not just a particular group or narrow agenda. Our citizens deserve opportunities, in doing so we need a dynamic EDC, one that is responsive and expedient in securing industry to provide excellent jobs for our citizens. In turn, we as a party must be vigilant and support our Republican officials but also watch our elected officials and measure their actions and effectiveness in the days ahead. We must be ready to provide input when needed and offer insight to provide a better understanding of the issues. Our elected leaders must understand the value of communication with their constituents, their fellow Board members and with the Party that worked to provide their elected leadership positions. Our Party is strong because we know and understand the value of working together.

       Chris Weaver

       Person County, GOP Chair