A Letter from Chuck

If we are to ensure that our future is what we want it to be, we must realistically envision that future, carefully plan for it, and pursue the goals we set with determination. The promise of "quality living" must be attainable by all of us-young and old, working and retired. It must include the expectation of safe communities, high standards in the delivery of public services, adequate and reliable infrastructure, the guarantee of clean air and water, and the preservation of the natural beauty of our area.

Government, with its limited resources, cannot solve every problem or meet every need. It is, however, obligated to do all it can to maximize the effectiveness of each dollar it spends. Thus, every decision it makes must be based on understanding the community's needs; and I believe that knowing what non-government resources are available to help meet those needs is of critical importance.

Henderson County is blessed with many fine agencies and organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life here. Some of these are funded by the government, others have public and private funding, and still others receive no support from government. Often multiple agencies and organizations are involved in similar pursuits without a full understanding of what the others are doing. Hence, there is duplication of effort in some areas, and no help at all for problems in other areas.

I believe that one of the most important ways our county leaders can function is to be the "convener" of agencies, organizations and individuals whose areas of concern overlap and to facilitate collaboration in the sharing of resources and responsibilities. This concept is working out now with the United Agenda for Children project which has brought together 41 separate organizations and hosts of volunteers to focus on the safety, health and education of our children. I have no doubt our children's future will be greatly enhanced by this effort. The renovation of the Historic Courthouse is another example of public/private cooperation that has served this community well.

Going forward, this approach can be applied not only to the needs of our CHILDREN, but also in areas such as AGING, MENTAL HEALTH, WORKFORCE HOUSING, even TRANSPORTATION.

Many perceive these past few years to have been largely about bricks and mortar. And, yes, many capital improvements are still needed-there was and is much "catching up" to be done. But I want to move beyond bricks and mortar. The next four years must be about taking charge of our future-making sure our county government isn't overtaken by events, but that it is the pacesetter, heading off problems before they arise instead of being forced to react to them.