Vote Bicknell again for chair of BOC

The most important decision voters will make next Tuesday is who will preside over the county board of commissioners as these matters are discussed and ultimately decided. Whoever is elected must be prone to building relationships and working toward a consensus not just among the county commissioners, but also among the various interests in government, from the school systems to the fire departments, from the municipalities to the various authorities. The next commission chairman must be someone patient enough to work with people of widely differing interests, perspectives and positions to find solutions that are best for the government and the governed.

As chairman of the county water and sewerage authority, Hunter Bicknell has done that. He’s worked closely with the board of commissioners and with the municipalities to create excellent working relationships. He’s a consensus builder capable of bringing people and organizations together for a common cause.

Jackson County has nine municipalities, three school systems, multiple law enforcement agencies, fire departments and authorities. It is the 10th fastest growing county in America, and the challenges are enormous. The chairman of the Board of Commissioners cannot solve all of those problems, but he must be someone who can bring together the people, institutions and resources needed to address them. Bicknell won’t have all the answers, but he’ll work to be sure all points of view are heard.