I had often wondered what I’d write in this column if I ever got the chance to do so. I would think of certain issues that were important to me and others so as to really say what would be of value to everyone. Great leaders have chosen words of inspiration and meaning while some ramble on without substance. I would be glad if only I could be somewhere in between. While writing has been difficult, speaking in front of a group has always been a chore I have dreaded most of all. But that is another story.
A person can write and then correct what is written to suit a certain situation so others can understand the issue. Most often, the reader is lost after the first sentence. Most times, questions arise more often than answers. No one seems to have answers, much less solutions. We all want answers or solutions to certain questions or situations that arise about subjects near and dear to our hearts. A lot of people have answers, but few have any solutions. Sometimes each answer creates more questions, and around and around we go. Sorta sounds like the state and federal legislators who try to make sense of all the concerns people have.
We are so lucky to have people who can write articles that really have substance such as those who publish and present news in County Progress. I try to read every page every month and sometimes go back and read some of the articles twice. Some of these articles are very important and informative, especially those concerning the next legislative session. When you receive your next magazine, please look it over. Don’t forget to look at companies that advertise, and try to do business with them whenever you can; without their support and your support, the magazine would not exist.
Some of you will have opponents in the primary election. I feel for each of you. We all wish you good luck.
I urge you all to start thinking about the legislative session that will certainly come about. The issues are going to be tougher to suppress in certain instances, and we will need your input with your legislators. Visit with them, and talk to them. Make sure they understand what appraisals and taxing limits can do to your budgets, especially when unfunded mandates keep creeping in. Tell them that in certain instances you have been very frugal and attended to taxes in your county, and a lot of times you have reduced your tax rates. They know or should know how things are. If not, now is the time to do your talking because once they go to into session, it may be too late.
Pray for those less fortunate, those who are ill, and especially for those serving and protecting us in foreign lands. God bless you all.
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Gilbert Pargmann, President CJCAT