December - It’s Time To Reflect and Renew
December 30, 2009
At this time of the year, it’s customary to reflect on the previous 12 months in an effort to make evaluations on one’s life, both personal and professional. Inevitably, we have a tendency to set goals for ourselves for the upcoming year in order to improve on, renew or re-energize what we feel needs the most attention.
Most will agree that 2009 has been a challenging year. We have all suffered the effects of the down turn in the economy, shared the burden of civil unrest and desperately tried to avoid the powerful H1N1 virus. However, there have been many occasions that are cause for celebration and are simple reminders that Alabamians are resilient, strong and willing to face hard times head-on.
In Tallapoosa County, I was witness to the 20th Anniversary celebration of the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in late November. Amid cuts in funding, this facility is able to consistently provide for the long term nursing home needs of our Veterans who so selflessly served our country. Decorated as one of the top Veterans Home’s in the nation, it was my honor to participate in a celebration of its 20 years of service, to not only East Alabama but the entire state.
Russell County continues to see an overwhelming influx of new residents due to the expansion of Ft. Benning. With the BRAC project well underway, Phenix City and the entire Russell County region will begin to notice the economic impact that the additional residents will provide. I toured the new Freshman Academy at Central High School and was able to tangibly see the fine preparations that are being made to accommodate the expected increase in student population and the careful consideration our leaders have given to these projects. On Saturday, December 12th I participated in the national effort of laying poinsettias wreaths on the graves of Veterans in national cemeteries. Ft. Mitchell in Russell County has an outstanding and well preserved cemetery and I had the additional honor of laying a wreath on the grave of a Medal of Honor recipient.
Lee County was fortunate to have a collective community effort when the Opelika Sportsplex opened its doors for the first time. This facility not only promotes overall healthy living but it serves as a symbol and reminder that we can and will press on in tough times and, as long as we continue to work together, we will find ways to navigate hardships. The Sportsplex facility is state of the art in providing recreational and physical fitness opportunities for individuals desiring memberships at a very moderate fee as well as providing a huge quality of life benefit for East Alabamians.
With the Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature beginning January 12th, I will be a chief co-sponsor of a bill that will prove to be extremely beneficial to all of my constituents. This is the Alabama Jobs Stimulus plan, a $1 billion new road construction program that will impact every county in the state and create more than 27,000 new jobs over a period of 10 years. It is designed to build highways, roads and bridges in every county which will help further Alabama’s business, create new jobs and repair and expand Alabama’s transportation infrastructure. With the deterioration and aging of our roads and bridges it will have an even more favorable impact on East Alabama, as we are one of the three fastest growing areas in Alabama.
In closing, I wish you all a Happy New Year.
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