Heart to Hart

Session Number One

Bibb County, Georgia

During his recent Campaign for Commission Chair, Candidate Sam Hart pledged to conduct listening or Town Hall Meetings where the Citizens could share their concerns and give their input to the Commission Chair.

The first of these meetings was held at the Bibb County Court House from 6:00 P.M. to 7:03 P.M. The meeting was well attended and the print and electronic media had reporters and photojournalist present. The format was casual, as you can quickly see above. The Commissioners did not seat themselves behind the normal barrier which is the practice for regular Commission Meetings. The meeting was well attended and those present gave a full range of concerns for the Chairman's Attention, as well as the appropriate Commissioners.

Concerns shared ranged from:

• Uniform Code Enforcement throughout the County.
• Lack of cooperation between the City/County as regards protecting the Citizens.
• Future Development of Industry and Commercial Activity.
• Potential Industry looks at Quality of Life Issues and how well the School Systems are functioning along with the general appearance of the Community.
• It was clearly indicated by several speakers that our future depends on what is happening within the City as well as the entire County. Everyone has a responsibility to be a viable "Gate Keeper" in their local community.
• The need for cooperation and a dynamic can do attitude must be present in the respective Government Agencies within the County as well as the City. No one should have to report a problem and receive the brush off. All Government Employees must have a can do attitude and respect the Citizens.
• We The People must hold our duly elected Leaders accountable.
• As the County Commissioners prepare the next Fiscal Year Budget they will be faced with dynamic challenges.
• Each and Every Citizen must be aware that there will be sacrifices required of each of us as we consider our "Real Needs" versus "What We Want" from our respective Governments.

Every one in attendance was grateful that this meeting was held. Each Commissioner and the Commission Chair displayed a keen interest in the concerns and presentations by each of the citizens who shared their ideas, concerns and the needs of their respective areas of the County.

The Commission Chair Thanked everyone in attendance and reminded everyone that there will be future "Heart To Hart" Town Hall Style meetings.

I, the Flower Child, am glad I attended this event. It was certainly worthwhile and this Town Hall Event and future ones will give Citizen Input to the Board of Commissioners as they prepare for the task that lie ahead.

Thank You!!!