Bicknell, Hardy deserve support of the voters

For chairman of the board of commissioners, Hunter Bicknell appears best qualified to lead Jackson County for four years. Bicknell has proven to be a consensus builder during his tenure on the Jackson County Water and Sewerage Authority, helping improve relations between that important board and the board of commissioners — and between the authority and the municipal governments. That kind of relationship building is needed on the board of commissioners.

Both of his opponents have criticized the water and sewerage authority Bicknell chairs for not making money. In doing so, they display a lack of understanding that makes their candidacies suspect. The authority will never make money as long as it must build sewer lines — which has been forced upon it by the board of commissioners. The payoff for that expense accrues to the county government and the county school system from industrial development, and it has been substantial.

Do not expect Bicknell to make important decisions quickly. His method of operation is to hear from all parties and all viewpoints, and in doing so he builds trust and cooperation.

Improving intergovernmental relations is also why Chas Hardy stands out for the District 2 seat on the board of commissioners. The son of Commerce Mayor Charles L. Hardy Jr., he can help the BOC repair its relationship not just with Commerce, but also with all the municipal governments.

If elected, Hardy’s job won’t be to represent the interests of Commerce to the BOC, but to make sure the concerns of all the municipalities are taken into consideration and that residents of the municipalities get as much return from their county tax dollars as do residents of the unincorporated areas. Having someone exposed to the issues and concerns facing both the county government and the city governments will be good for the board of commissioners. With nine municipalities, the BOC needs better working relationships than it currently has. Hardy can be instrumental in forming the alliances that will pay dividends to the county and its cities and towns.

County government is increasingly complex as the county and its municipalities grow. Having commissioners who can work well with each other and with the nine municipalities is crucial to Jackson County’s future. Bicknell and Hardy are both well-suited for the jobs they seek.

Other candidates deserving of your support include Brad Smith for district attorney and Stan Evans for sheriff, based on their experience. But whatever your inclinations, they don’t matter if you don’t vote. Go to the polls Tuesday and express your opinion for the candidates you think are best suited for leadership.