Interview with a Concerned Citizen part II

How long have you lived in Dickenson County-

A: my entire life 36 years

Do you enjoy your job?

A) That's a tough one to answer. My job is not what I envisioned myself doing when I chose to stay in the area. However there are not many jobs in the area that provided a livable and sustainable wage. I have an associates in Legal Assisting but at the time I graduated the most you could make locally was a little above minimum wage. So I ended up in a call center. Dealing with the public over the phone is a struggle in itself. However, I make the most of it and do enjoy being able to help my customers with issues they have.

Do you think the county is headed in a positive direction for our children?

A) Without seeing the whole plan laid out for the direction our BOS and School Board has planned I can honestly say that I do not know.

What I can say is that with what I have seen in my 35 years living here and as of late that I find myself questioning the elected officials more and more in this county. If things do not change soon there will not be any children here to direct at all. I have a rising 6th grader who has been so excited to have drama and chorus offered now to have those things yanked from her.

Do you think the county does everything in its power to bring new industry into the county?

A) I have been on the skirt tails of companies being promised big incentives for coming into Dickenson County (i.e. Nexus Communications & Travelocity). After being left jobless from both of those companies folding up and leaving the area, I do know it's important to ensure you don't just throw a company in here without making sure loopholes for them to leave do not exist. With that being said, I do feel that we have been very dormant on any new jobs coming here. So it's time we ask ourselves why? If we have men and women unemployed from various companies (Alpha, the school system etc) why we are not trying to lure a company into the area. If that is being done then why isn't anyone speaking out in an elected position to say so?

Do you vote in county elections?

A: yes

Why?

A) because it is my right and duty to attempt to elect officials that I feel can best stand up for the future of our community, my self and my family.

What are your feelings of David Moore, the County Administrator?

A) having dealt with prior County Administrators on various issues (i.e. People Incorporated attempting several years ago to do away with the paying parents at the daycare center). I have not had a personal one on one discussion with Mr Moore. I can not speak neither ill nor praise for him. I feel as with any official a checks and balance should be in place and it's obvious as a community we have trusted our officials too much to make the "right" decisions for our little neck of the woods. Is that his fault or ours as a community? That I have yet to form my decision.

Do you think the Board of Supervisors looks out for the citizens?

A) with what is coming to light I can not say that they do. After recently going through a 49 day work stoppage as I work for a major telecommunications company and emailing EVERY ELECTED BOARD OF SUPERVISORS member and receiving not one response. I formed my decision well into the month of April that not one of them are willing to step beyond party lines and stand with the working people of this county for the fear of repercussions.

Do you think the county should provide minutes of every public meeting to the citizens?

A) YES! Being a working individual with a commute as I drive out of the county to work daily and meeting usually start before I can get into town, having minutes available would be a blessing!

Do you think the county should raise taxes to give extra money to any agency?

A) I think something has to be raised but you have to look at where you're going to see an equal distribution of said "tax".

Because I work and own land should those taxes go up? Especially when the odds of selling my home in such an economic state is not likely, probably not a land tax increase.

Do you do a meal tax? As people will eat out whether working, disabled etc. This would be something to consider.

I live in the town limits and have a town sticker and pay for trash pick up. Why do we not have county stickers and rates for county trash pick up? All of which would be revenue generating. Some may not own land but most have a vehicle.

What has changed in Dickenson County the last 5 years?

Sadly nothing. We have a big new school is all. With no children to fill it or enough teachers to teach. Yet still no one is willing to step up and make a change. I've heard so many people say "ah it's Dickenson County nothing will ever change". I disagree the time is now and it's up to us!

Are you ok with me sharing your name?

A) absolutely there is nothing I wouldn't say in this survey I would say to someone face to face. My name is Brandy Taylor.