When it comes to personnel in public office, change is not always a bad thing. I believe that people have a tendency to become complacent and lose site of the big picture if they serve longer than they should.
Look at the leadership of the City of Magee, for example. Many changes have occurred there over the past year. That is not necessarily a bad thing. It’s rather an opportunity for the city to re-establish priorities and determine new ones.
Many of the key positions have changed and the city continues to move on, an indication that the city has some good leaders. Two of the aldermen did not run again, yet new ones were selected who have hit the ground full speed.
The city is also having to replace several full time employees. One of the most important replacements is the chief for the Magee Police Department when Chief Randy Crawford retired. The board announced the job, interviewed candidates and filled the position. The new chief is Chris Jones, a true professional and someone we have confidence in. This is not to say that others would not have done a good job, but Chris had been acting in the interim position of police chief and will have that extra experience.
The city will now be tasked with filling other positions that include Building Superintendent, Building Inspector, Assistant Fire Marshal and a maintenance position. Former building inspector Hugh Dilmore was doing a good job but left. Other capable people have proved that they can do the job during the course of Dilmore’s absence. Applications for these other positions closed out this week and we feel sure they will be quickly filled. In addition the city has a new city clerk, Jon Styron. Given a little time he should be quite competent in his position. Many of the issues that prompted the change of city clerks have been identified and corrected.
The county has faced change with the election of two new supervisors, Donnie Welch and Mitchell Chatman, and a new sheriff, Paul Mullins. All of these positions may result in new ways of doing some things.
There was one change in the Board of Aldermen in Mendenhall, so that group will also have the advantage of some new views.
Our public school system has seen dramatic change as they work toward improving school standings and student performance. The most obvious change is a new superintendent of schools, Dr. Toriano Holloway. Other positions have changed in the Central Office, including a new director of finance, Joanna Maddox and a new assistant superintendent, Dr. Diedre Randall, who oversees curriculum for the district.
New faces have also appeared in the economic development arena. As the old guard shuffles off, new members come along to replace them. Hopefully, the replacements can provide the diversity that is needed to improve our current economic environment.
New committee members will be appointed by these new leaders of organizations. These new members will have new, useful ideas that lead to progress.
If you have a desire to serve or help, these boards are always looking for volunteers. Call and offer your assistance. You may find something you really enjoy and can do to make a difference right here at home.
