County Commission | The Magazine October 2017 | Page 33

FROM THE COVER
voters county-wide. “Dothan was
Dothan, and Houston County was
Houston County. We didn’t
want to do anything
with Henry County or
Geneva County or any
of the towns.”
These days,
Wiregrass leaders
team up constantly,
magnifying the impact
of each jurisdiction’s limited
resources. “Matter of fact, our road
and bridge department just won
an award for a project we did in
conjunction with Dale County.
We did most of the work, and the
project’s actually in Dale County,”
Culver said. “We would have never
thought of doing that 15 years
ago, ever, but we’ve opened our
minds now.”
New jobs in Dale County
translate into increased consumer
spending in Houston County.
“Those lines that are on the map
are just that – on the map,”
Culver said. “You need to
bring your neighbors in
and work together.”
that
“Those lines map
are on the t –
are just tha ap”
on t h e m
Don’t Get
Boxed In
Sure, the county
governing body’s legal
authority is limited,
but communities need
all their leaders “in the
game,” helping to convene and
connect residents.
Commissioner Joey Peavy
in Butler County has found his
passion as an advocate for children
in foster care who encourages more
families to get involved. The state
says Alabama has about 5,000
children in foster care, and it is an
issue that touches every single one
of the 67 counties.
As Peavy spoke to his county
colleagues, he was joined on stage
by Layla, a young girl in foster care.
As smiles – and maybe a few tears –
rippled across the crowded meeting
room, the commissioner said,
“She’s no different than any child in
this state or country. They just need
an opportunity.
“That’s real life, and that’s what
we, as commissioners, need to be
part of.” n
“That’s real life,
and that’s what we,
as commissioners,
need to be part of.”
COUNTY COMMISSION | 33