November - Opportunities to be Thankful
November 27, 2008
November has been a month of many happenings, some pleasant and some not so pleasant. Certainly we are all delighted that the elections are over and we’re all delighted that our nation celebrated so well again November 11, which is the day that we give recognition to all Veteran’s of our Armed Services. I was privileged to attend the Veteran’s Day services in Auburn, Opelika and Camp Hill. In Camp Hill, a unique ceremony took place where a film was shown on the recently completed World War II monument and mall in Washington, DC. In addition to that, fifteen Veterans were specifically recognized for their service in the years from World War II through Desert Storm, and all were given resolutions of appreciation from the Alabama Legislature.
Throughout this nation, and even more so this month, we find ourselves struggling with near-recession unemployment rates, a rising cost of living, and less hope that we will recover from this major economic setback within a reasonable time frame. The citizens of Alabama are not immune from this trend. In December, we are hopeful of knowing if Governor Riley will have to declare our state’s education budget in proration. If this is done, of course it is a direct result of the economic slowdown also here in Alabama.
Although there are many overwhelming issues facing our country, and more specifically our state, let’s be reminded of the progress and hope that Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa Counties bring. Recently I had the pleasure of attending a significant meeting in Columbus, Georgia, where Legislators from the entire Chattahoochee Valley region (the Alabama and Georgia side) were requested to attend. The whole purpose of the meeting was to receive updates from the Alabama Department of Transportation and the Georgia Department of Transportation pertaining to infrastructure and new corridors that will be required with the substantial build up of Ft. Benning. A great deal of this, of course, will be federal expense, but on the Alabama side, we certainly want to accommodate our citizens who work at Ft. Benning but choose predominately to live in either Russell or Lee County. The back side of Ft. Benning has approximately 14,000 acres of land in Russell County with no vehicle road accessibility. The assistance of the Alabama Department of Transportation will be crucial for more convenient accessibility of Alabamians into Ft. Benning for both military and civilian employment purposes.
I continually renew my promise to you, my constituents, irrespective of your philosophical or political party affiliation, that I will always draw upon your input, wisdom and guidance in good times as well as in these more challenging times of which we are presently experiencing. Together we can maintain responsible, steady growth and build upon what’s already proven to be successful. That which is built upon with steadfast hands and open minds will no doubt yield measurable results. Take a moment and notice the progress within your corner of the world; share the successes of our neighbors and celebrate in the promise of our future. As I am ever mindful of the tiresome struggle we are living in, there is great hope building up that the stress of the economy that we each bear will begin to be alleviated. This is the Thanksgiving season and we as Americans and Alabamians have a lot to be thankful for.
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