(Someone asked me why we didn't put out a joint report from ALL Commissioners. Here is an explanation...
You have three Commissioners representing Bates County ... one representing the North half, one representing the South half, and one presiding over sessions of the Commission.
All three bring different ideas and concerns to decisions affecting Bates County, and occasionally disagree on how to proceed. However, I would also point out that all three are committed to working toward a consensus of what is BEST for Bates County. The following update is only reflective of MY activities as the Southern Commissioner. Each Commissioner is involved in a variety of different obligations throughout the county, and as a result, would vary in their individual activities.)
As usual, there has been a lot happening around Bates County, and as your Southern Commissioner I am committed to being involved heavily and representing you, and your interests, for furthering Bates County!establishing courthouse security measures, the jail expansion and updates to that facility, the (Butler Music)
The major projects of tuckpointing the courthouse, administration building renovation, and moving into the 21st century with broadband to county offices are ALL in the works currently. While moving forward, sometimes things seem to "creep along" but big projects take lots of planning and thought to accomplish them in the best manner.
A perfect example of this is a railroad crossing project south of Amoret that was started by your previous commissioners nearly 5 YEARS AGO, but required coordination between MoDot, the railroad, Bates County, Burns & McDonnell engineering, multiple adjoining landowners, and then the construction contractors. It IS under construction as I write this.
Economic development is frequently brought up along with the common desire for new jobs and industry in Bates County. I can assure you, EVERY DAY there is an effort going on to attract progress to Bates County. (There are actually some projects being recruited at this exact time. Hopes are, to succeed in bringing in one!) The investment in the economic developer position through Kaysinger regional planning commission is a COMMITMENT to recruit, and attract, jobs and progress to this county.
Economic development doesn't result in seeing a new business or industry every week, month, or even each year. It is a continuous "presence" in the giant pool of communities competing for the same thing. You simply keep "throwing your line in with the hope that you will eventually land a keeper"! Bates County is fortunate to be able to have an economic developer position. It is "vital" to progressing our county.
With November comes even more BIG obligations. Missouri Association of Counties will have the annual three days of training for county officials held in late November, and then as December and year end wraps up, we will be concentrating on next year's budget.
Finally, on a personal note, it's ALWAYS a pleasure to be asked to be a part of multiple county organizations' fundraising efforts. Some that I have done auctions for include Hume Fair and Rodeo, Rich Hill 4th of July, Bates County Ducks Unlimited, Papinville Picnic, McGennis Youth Facility, Butler Senior Center, Hume United Methodist Church, and in Cedar County, the El Dorado Christian School. All of these are worthy organizations with some great volunteers working very hard to further good causes!
As I have said often to many of you, it is an honor to represent Bates County and its citizens, and I will continue to do so to the best of my ability!
