Guest Column
JENKINS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY UPDATE
By Mabel Jenkins Chairman

We want to thank The Millen News for the opportunity to have a spot in the newspaper to address our citizens about Millen and Jenkins County.

I first want to thank the many folks who called, wrote, emailed or met me on some occasion and expressed their congratulations for my recent election as Chairman of the Development Authority and their willingness to help in any way.

Since I was elected to this position, I have found that it could become a full time job. There is so much to do and so many contacts to be made. I have met with the Governor, the State Agriculture Liaison to the Governor, Representative Jon Burns, Commissioner of Dept. of Community Affairs Mike Beatty, Director of State Parks Becky Kelly and several other officials in the state that are willing to work with us in our distressed situation in Jenkins County. Rep. Burns has been working very closely with me, and we have made some good contacts and feel that we have moved forward on a couple of situations.

I want the citizens to realize it takes time. We are all anxious to have a quick fix, and weeks turn into months, but jumping through the hoops and hurdles that are necessary is very time consuming.

I encourage you to become involved. If you want something to happen in your county, then help make it happen. One of the best ways that each citizen can help is to be a good AMBASSADOR for Jenkins County and Millen. We are told that long before an industry lets it be known that they are interested in locating in an area, they have gone into that town and talked with the locals at the restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, service stations, etc. This enables them to know how the citizens feel about their town and county and how they care for each other.

It tells them a lot about the character of the locals. Be an ambassador for Millen and Jenkins County regardless of to whom you are speaking. Speak positively when you have something to say, we really gain nothing with negative remarks.

One thing that continues to disappointment me is the support we have when we attempt to have a meeting to inform folks. This includes all citizens for town hall meetings and all who have accepted the responsibility to serve on boards of the county as well as the county and city government. We feel that broadband is crucial to moving Millen and Jenkins County forward into the 21st century. We have a great opportunity to get broadband into our town and county through a One Georgia grant. It would benefit our schools, hospital, city hall, county office, sheriff and police department, 911 department, citizens, especially those in the country who only have access to dial up as well as our industries and any that may desire to locate here. It could be a calling card for industry to a small town.

A meeting was scheduled for a speaker to come into our town to talk about broadband, what it is, how it works, and why we need it. The Development Authority sent requests to each entity of our city and county to attend. From all the boards and departments and government, we had a total of 10 for the meeting. This included Paula Herrington and me, so you could say we only had eight present. Folks, this is very discouraging not to mention embarrassing. Paula arranged the meeting and was very apologetic to the speaker and one guest that drove in for it.

I ask you, how do we get our local appointed and elected officials to respond? How do we get the entire public interested in supporting the efforts of those who are trying?

It only cost $35 to join the Millen-Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce. Our chamber struggles to stay afloat on so little funds as they have to operate. Could you add to this institution? Could you become a member and support their efforts?

Our Millen Better Hometown sponsored an outstanding cultural activity recently, The Musical Theatre Production of "Oklahoma". A large cast of performers came into town for the day. There were only a very few volunteers who worked endlessly to provide the necessary needs to the cast and for the show. Tickets were only $10 each. Millen Better Hometown did not just break even, they actually made $2 when all expenses were paid. What if there had only been 50 more attendees? Do you wonder if we get a new merchant or new business in town, will our citizens support them?

Well this, my first article, sounds like a rant and rave article, but folks, it is time to rant and rave and get off our seats and get busy and stop our negative talk and action about things, get a positive attitude, as well as give our support to events. God will truly bless us if we ask. I am a true believer of that and we have to keep Him in our doings!

One last rant, the Development Authority, with the leadership of Bro. Dan Zellner, held three county wide prayer meetings in the last few months for the county, those who lost their jobs and other things that we needed to take to the Lord. First meeting, I went early for I just knew the civic center would be crowded. I had just attended the Planters annual meeting prior to this and it was jammed. Boy was I surprised. There were about 60 people present, still the Lord came and we had a good meeting. The next prayer meeting, less people and even some of those who were asked to be on program did not show. The third meeting, even less attendance.. Where were all those who had lost jobs? Are we a county of unbelievers or "don't carers"?

I just want you to know that I am concerned about our complacent attitudes. I am available for you to contact and speak with me about your concerns if you would like. We need to all get our city and county cleaned up, our minds and hearts as well, and move Millen and Jenkins County forward in the year of 2008. We can do it and we will. We will keep you informed as much as possible of any progress we are able to make. In the meanwhile, please help us with your positive attitude, your words of wisdom to everyone about the greatness of your town, your churches, your schools, your government and keep your hopes on high!

If I have offended anyone ... good ... now start doing what you agreed to do when you accepted your position in this county, whether it be an elected, or appointed position, or your own selection to be a resident. Also whether you are a white or black citizen, all are encouraged to get involved and support.

I am elected for one year in this position. I do not expect to make everyone happy with what I choose to do or say and I am sorry. I do promise to work for Jenkins County and do the best that I can with what we have to offer to others and to you. I do ask humbly for your support.