From the President

Merry Christmas! December is a special time of year when western Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Homes, yards and maybe even some courthouse lawns will display nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago. What a wonderful story it is!
December is also the end of the calendar year and the time when we as elected officials can look back over the last year and review our performance. We see our successes, our disappointments, and the missed opportunities. While we reflect on 2006, we also have the opportunity to plan for the New Year and to look forward to the opportunity and promise that 2007 may hold.
The passing of this year also means that many county judges and commissioners will be ending their service and leaving office. As president of the Association, I want to thank each and every judge and commissioner who is leaving office for their service to their county and the state. The willingness to serve and to put yourself through the election process are qualities that can perhaps only be appreciated by those who have been there. I wish you well in all that the future holds for you, be it retirement or other opportunities.
The November election is over and with it the election of many new judges and commissioners. This December issue of County Progress will be the first issue that many of the new judges and commissioners will read. I know that they will come to appreciate County Progress and its staff for their efforts in keeping us informed on important issues and educational opportunities. It is also a good read.
The 80th Regular Session of the Legislature is rapidly approaching, so brace yourself. Jim Allison, our general counsel, Polk County Judge John Thompson, legislative chairman for the Association, and the officers of the Association are busy planning for the upcoming session. As I wrote in this column last month, it will be a very challenging time for county government. Those issues that we know so well will be back again. Continue to visit with senators and representatives and inform them about county government and all of the services we provide to our taxpayers. Hopefully with a coordinated effort, the help of our friends in the Legislature, and a little luck, we can have a successful session. But January will come soon enough, so right now let’s enjoy December; it is the best time of the year.
The Christmas season and the New Year holiday is a time of great joy. It is a time of celebration spent with family and friends. Travel, both near and far, is a big part of this time of the year, so be careful on the roads. It is also a time for us to remember the less fortunate, the sick and those alone. Keep them in your prayers.
I pray everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Mark Evans, Association President