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Officials thankful for city’s, county’s blessings
Published Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving is a time to proclaim to the world why we are thankful. For many, it’s being healthy and happy; for others, it’s a time to appreciate family and friends.
And local government officials agree that Covington County citizens have many blessings.
“The communities of Covington County are filled with people and organizations who genuinely care about one another and will do whatever it takes to help their neighbors, “ said House Speaker Seth Hammett. “Acts of kindness are everywhere. This is the kind of place you be want to be when facing difficult times.”
And even when times are trying for our neighbors, Covington County residents step up to the plate, Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson said.
“I am thankful for the relatively good year we have had with the economy,” Johnson said. “Compared to most of our neighbors, Andalusia enjoyed stability in our business community, with the city seeing an actual increase in sales tax revenue when most cities were experiencing double digit declines in sales tax revenue.
“I am thankful for the safety and security of our community,” he said. “Our neighbors to the east, Kinston and Samson, experienced the nightmare of a serial killer in their communities, resulting in the tragic loss of life of many of their family and friends. And, I am thankful for the outpouring of love and support our community showed for the victims of this horrific act of random violence.
“I am thankful that we can expect a better year in 2010 due to the hard work of so many of our citizens and the support of our local institutions,” he said. “I truly believe that Andalusia’s best is yet to come, and I am thankful that our citizens have allowed me to play a small part in this exciting process.
“Finally, I am thankful for the many blessings bestowed on us and the security provided to us by the sacrifices of our military personnel,” he said.
Opp Superintendent Michael Smithart said he is thankful for so many things. “Personally, for my family and the ways that God continually blesses us,” he said.
“Professionally, I am thankful that I have the opportunity and the responsibility to serve more than 1,300 students in the Opp City School system.”
Each of the county commissioners, including Chairman Lynn Sasser, expressed their thankfulness the county has made significant strides to correct its economic situation.
“I’m thankful we made it through this year without layoffs,” Sasser said. “Our financial condition is better, and that’s a lot to be thankful for.”
Comments
Posted by proudamerican (anonymous) on November 26, 2009 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am thankful of all the abundance that God has given us. Even though our country has problems, some unprecedented in our lifetime, we are still the most blessed people on earth to have the freedoms we still have. And, I don't know any who are truly doing without. If they are, some church needs to be aware of it. We shouldn't put our faith in the government, but in an Almighty God who can and will meet your every need. I hope everyone who reads this has a happy Thansksgiving, and understands that we should be giving thanks to our Maker and Provider, not to anyone else.
Posted by biscuitsandhoovergravy (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
AMEN Proudamerican !
Posted by harleyman (anonymous) on December 1, 2009 at 6:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with yourpost ProudAmerican.We need to be thankful to God for alot of things here in our town. One thing I'm not thankful for is our Mayor,and City Councel. Because of Shaw,they are failing to bring industry here to Andalusia. According to one of our Commissioners, a Muffler Manufacturer tried to come here. Once again,they were shut out!!!! EJM,Sitel are all failures. We need JOBS here with decent PAY!!!! They ( some members of the City Councel) were against John Deer, and Super Walmart coming here. Why? Guess who represents Cotton Tractor, and ADC? The Star News reported that Sitel employed 500 people. Wow! You could be hard pressed to find half that amount on a good day,I promise. Sitel pays minimum wage. You can go to Crestview, and do the same JOB starting out at $13.50 per hour. Now Sitel has laid off more than 100 people,along with EJM pulling out! Really whats next citizens? We need someone in these elected postions who is going to strive to get businesses,with good pay here in Andalusia. Not Marvins, Tractor Supply,or even Sitel.
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