True to form for many outgoing public servants, they appoint positions/persons prior to their end of term (always in the last days/hours), and not allow the incoming leadership the ability to appoint who they see fit. Well the outgoing Walker County commissioner is doing just that. More interesting is the number of resignations, those resignations certainly cause suspicions as to why they feel the need to leave right now? Not only is the outgoing commissioner leaving the county in a precarious position, she is now leaving a legacy with these last-minute appointments. It’s a shame she has not allowed the incoming commissioner the right to appoint his choices.
As a citizen of Walker County for many years, I have a vested interest in the above board running of the county, the ability to provide services to the constituents and to grow/expand where it’s fit for purpose. I have been unhappy with the past leadership and have voiced that opinion, I am hoping that the incoming leadership will being paving a new journey for the county, one that is beneficial to its citizens and keeps its focus on county business not worldly ventures. I hope for success and believe in supporting this new leadership by offering support where I can and to respect his willingness to try, this will be a tough road to travel and often a thankless job, but setting someone up to fail or at least manipulating the start position is unfair.
I challenge those who were appointed earlier today to not accept that appointment (or resign immediately), and allow the incoming commissioner to make these appointments. If these folks believe they are worthy and capable, then I am sure they would be at the top of Mr. Whitfield’s list of potentials. There may be others just as capable and worthy and willing to serve their county, who knows without letting the choice be made by incoming leadership. Let’s all give Mr. Whitfield a chance to succeed, it seems only fair and the right thing to do.
Leslie Ward
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Granted, I am not a citizen of Walker County, but I believe that Ms. Ward’s comments are valid. Commissioner Heiskel’s appointments should resign and allow Commissioner Whitfield to fill those vacancies.
Bebe is one of the last of the “Boss Hog” commissioners in Georgia and the sole commissioner idea needs to die an immediate death. Let Commissioner Whitfield lead in the transition to representational democracy in Walker County and do what he was elected to do.
Wayne Cook
Chattanooga