A new day has dawned

This is a New Year, and with that, a new chapter for Carroll County. How will it be written? Will the theme of county leaders not working together to the detriment of all Carroll County citizens prevail? Or will they all take a fresh look at their individual roles and how their votes, comments and actions led the county to where it is today. Will county leaders decide to follow a different path, which would be more productive and positive?

Much of the bad is behind the county now. Most council members can now admit they did not watch income and disbursements and were not good caretakers of your money. We've seen the infighting and the disagreements between the council and the commissioners. It was learned that the auditor and the treasurer have not done the part of their jobs - the part state law demands they do - which would have shown the true financial picture for the past five years.

The final blow to the county this year was to learn of the arrest of the circuit court judge for public intoxication.

It is safe to say that overall it has been an ugly year for Carroll County.

But the new year is here and the county can have a fresh start.

It is also a new year for voters. Yes, that is you, Carroll County residents! This is the United States of America...the land of the free and the home of the brave. This is an election year for some key seats in county government.

You have the freedom to choose your leaders in this country...will you be brave enough to make the necessary choices to pull the county out of its current vortex of need? This election cannot be a popularity contest. It must be about competency, diplomacy and the ability to focus on what is best for the county and not what is best for the individual.

Two commissioner seats, those occupied by Bill Brown and George Mears, will be decided in 2008. Council seats currently occupied by Rob Baker, Carl Abbott and Steve Ashby will be decided also.

Voters are urged to become informed about the issues and to ask many questions of those who decide to run for office.

Citizens need the most informed, best-qualified candidates with the time and energy to lead this county into the future in a direction you want to go. Citizens need leaders who believe residents have the right to know what they do at every level of government. They need leaders who understand what the term "transparent government" truly is and leaders who vow to live by it. The county needs leaders who understand how government works and the importance of abiding by the law.

Voters should demand the best the county has to offer and be willing to do what it takes to get the best people to fill the seats. The right way is hard work, but the payoff is great. The wrong way is easy. Voters should be well versed by now about the consequences of taking the easy way.

An outsider suggested to the Comet last week that county leaders are not presenting a positive image of the county. Yes...what happens here gets noticed...the Comet is read by many, not just at the local level, but across the state and nation. Don't kid yourselves, the problems here are seen far and wide.

If you agree with this assessment, 2008 will be the year you can make a difference. Think about recruiting qualified individuals to lead the county. You do not have to wait for them to speak up to say they want to run. Help them do the right thing. Consider your own ability to provide leadership. How many times have you said, "I could do a better job than so-and-so"? This is your chance to step up and do it.

Expect candidates to answer tough questions. And expect the answers to be well thought out and insightful. Anything less is unacceptable. Hold elected officials to the highest standards. Voice your opinions loud and often. Be a part of the solution, not the problem.

A new day has dawned on Carroll County...make it the best year ever! Happy New Year!