by Kathy Foster
Senator George Gainer and Representative Brad Drake were in Washington County at the County Annex this morning to host what they termed a “Town Hall” meeting to talk with county residents … including Elijah Hooks shown below with the elected officials.
Those addressing Gainer and Drake were the following:
- Linda Mincy – A teacher at WAVE who been instructing students for 30 years and is president of the Washington County Educator’s Association, Mincy asked the men to address recruitment of high quality teachers and a salary increase for educators.
- Sandy Prichard – Director at ARC, Prichard said she works with a very vulnerable clientele and their direct-care providers. She explained that she and her staff work with individuals who have varied health issues and behaviors that range from mild to extreme. She also requested a pay increase for ARC employees, pointing out that it is hard to retain good employees.
- Joe Taylor – Washington County Superintendent of Schools, Taylor voiced concerns that Charter Schools are receiving more state funds than are Public Schools. He asked that the Legislators look into the situation.
- Tray Hawkins – Chairman of the Washington County Board of County Commissioners, Hawkins requested Legislators address the funding problems being addressed by Panhandle counties following both Hurricane Irma (2014) and Hurricane Michael (2018) . Hawkins also gave the Legislators information on the Regional Storm Shelter being looked at by the Washington County Board of County Commissioners (with the support of surrounding Panhandle counties).
- Ted Everett – Executive Director of the Washington County Tourist Development Council (TDC), Everett asked that Gainer and Drake look carefully at proposed plans that would take 3,000 acres of land in Washington County off the ad valorem tax rolls if the Knight Family sells the land to the State. According to Everett, the TDC would like the land to be left for development. “We’re looking to grow Washington County,” noted Everett.
- Bev Kilmer – Spoke objecting to the quality of books being presented to all age children in various public school systems around the State.