Letters to the Editor

Editor of The Millen News:

I write this letter because Sheriff Tim Fields is well certified, hard-working, honest and fair to all the people of Jenkins County. He deserves to be re-elected because he has four years experience in the office, also.

I have had contact with Sheriff Fields as a county commissioner and a Jenkins County citizen, and had good working relations with him.
Sincerely,
J.C. Douglas
Jenkins County citizen

Dear Editor,

The old saying 'You get what you pay for' has borne up well in our recent history, both as a nation and as a community. When we look at the mess our federal government has gotten us into, we need to reflect back to how well we (as citizens) did our homework on which candidate we decided to vote for and elect to represent us. Did we do background checks on the candidates or did we just listen to the 'spin machine?' Oh well, if you didn't invest some time and effort into the process, then you shouldn't complain about the results. You get what you pay for!

There are rumors floating about lately that the building of a privately run prison is practically a done deal here in Jenkins County. We need jobs here in the county for our current citizens and to attract people to live here, but we need to do our homework about this prison. What kind of jobs will be created? What kind of people will move here? What impact will those bright lights glaring all night long have on our lives? What will the shift workers be doing to unwind late at night? How much will it cost for the property owners to provide for poor families of prisoners who relocate here?

Another idea that is being bantered about is the consolidation of city and county government. Proponents say it will mean less government, but the truth is it will only eliminate a few jobs, create others and will increase the cost to taxpayers in the county. County residents need to listen closely for the whispers going on in secret. We have to be more concerned about government today than ever before, and decide for ourselves what is "for our own good." We are not children who need to be told what is good for us. We are capable of deciding for ourselves.

Get busy! You are working on your Ph.D. in life lessons. Homework will be taken up and graded soon. I hope everyone gets an 'A.'
Wayne Salter
Suburbs of Perkins

Dear Editor,

I attended the Tuesday, July 15, meeting of our county commissioners to ask them to consider the consolidation of Millen and Jenkins County. The chairman very politely told me this was not the first time this subject had been approached, but before anything could be done they would need to do a feasibility study. Since we all know that our county doesn't have funds to support such a study, I gave the commissioners copies of the resolution required by the General Assembly to proceed with a referendum to allow the local voters to make the decision on this issue, and also a copy of a charter from one of the smaller Georgia counties that has already consolidated. I also suggested they call and speak with county administrators in the newly consolidated counties.

No, Mr. Henry, I do not think consolidation will save the county money, but I do think it will save the taxpayers money if we are not supporting two of everything, i.e. commissioners-council, sheriffpolice chief, county administratorcity manager, county and city lawyers, etc. In fact, I would say that the county budget would definitely increase because the county would be assuming the city utilities along with additional workers, but we would only be supporting one governing body and one set of offices.

I can't believe that if consolidation isn't practical that other more progressive areas would be changing their form of government. Citizens, please join me in encouraging our commissioners and city councilmen to do some investigating and not to once again put this issue on the back burner or "file 13."
Sincerely,
Jane Daniel Johnson