Currently our road department is in the "catch up" mode due to the recent heavy rain. This includes the cleaning of culverts (tin horns, as some refer), grading of roads that have been washed out to a point of impassable, or close to that situation, and other weather related road problems. This is causing regular road maintenance to be secondary, if you will be please be patient, once the critical issues have been resolved we will be back to regular care of our county roads.

Also, in the last few days, I have been questioned on topics of our need for a new County Courthouse and new road graders. These are not "wants"…these are "needs". As I have stated from the beginning, and I stand firm that both of these "needs" can be accomplished without any increase or added tax. If added taxes are necessary, I will not support them. The need for the new Courthouse has many contributing factors…a portion of our current facility was condemned as unfit for the housing of prisoners, yet suitable for the residents of Carroll County to work and visit for necessary business. Another factor is to have a facility that the taxpayers can have a "one stop" county business destination. Added is established fact that in 2012 the District Court System, as stated at a Quorum Court meeting recently, will become a "full-time" court. And, there are other situations that bring need for a new Courthouse.

Concerning the road graders, some years ago there was a "need" for new road equipment, we are back in a similar position…the equipment is worn out and requires replacement. Not a time has gone by when I am at the road department that at least one grader is in for repair. Back years ago a dedicated tax, with a "sunset clause" was requested, and passed by the vote of the people. Today, I have analyzed the situation and believe that by considering the cost of parts for repairs, not even labor, that this alone will finance ten new road graders…with no tax.

A new Courthouse also can be built without any new or additional tax. A new Courthouse without a tax…ten new road graders without added taxes? Magic…NO…Just Good Management.

Please drive carefully on our county roads.

Thank you for your support…I am working for you.