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A NEW TERM, A SPIRIT OF UNITY
by David Morgan, Lawrence County Executive
Tuesday night, September 22, was an encouraging night for Lawrence County government, and I walked away from our County Commission meeting more optimistic than ever about what we can accomplish together over the next four years.
During the organizational portion of the meeting, the Commission honored me by electing me Chairman. I was genuinely humbled by their confidence. However, after the vote, I chose to step aside and place my support behind Commissioner Scott Franks to serve as Chairman.
I want to congratulate Scott. He is a good, honest and humble man, and over the years I have developed a tremendous amount of respect for him. He cares deeply about Lawrence County, approaches his responsibilities thoughtfully, and I believe he will do an excellent job leading the Commission.
For me, the decision was never about who sat in a particular chair. It was about what might be accomplished if we are willing to trust one another.
The commissioners extended trust to me through their vote, and I felt the best way I could respond was by extending that trust back to them. Supporting Scott was a small gesture on my part, but I hope it represents something much bigger—a willingness by all of us to move forward together.
There was also a very practical reason behind my decision.
Lawrence County is growing, and as our county grows, the responsibilities of the County Executive’s Office continue to grow with it. There are more projects to oversee, more opportunities to pursue, more challenges to address and more demands on our time than ever before. I take those responsibilities seriously, and I want to devote the time and attention necessary to do that job well.
Having Scott beside me as Chairman gives us an opportunity to make county government more efficient and cooperative. Rather than one person trying to carry responsibilities on both sides of county government, Scott can focus on leading the legislative branch while I focus on the growing responsibilities of the executive branch. At the same time, we can communicate regularly, work through issues together and help keep both branches moving in the same direction.
I don’t view that as giving something up. I view it as gaining a partner.
There are two distinct branches of county government for a reason. The County Commission and County Executive will not always agree, and healthy disagreement is necessary in government. But disagreement does not have to become division.
We can challenge one another, ask difficult questions and even vote differently while still respecting one another and remembering that we ultimately serve the same people.
I believe servant leadership is sometimes demonstrated most clearly by our willingness to step aside. Leadership isn’t about possessing a title or sitting in a particular seat. It is about doing whatever we can to help the entire team succeed.
I also have to give credit where I believe it belongs. At that meeting, I felt the Lord impressing upon me that stepping aside was the right thing to do. Over the years, I have learned that when that still, small voice asks me to do something that may be difficult personally but beneficial to others, I am usually better off listening.
What encourages me most is what this may represent for the years ahead.
We have a Commission made up of people who care about this county. They bring different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to the table, and that is a strength when we approach one another with humility and respect.
My commitment to Chairman Franks and every member of this Commission is simple: I want to work with them. I want to listen. I want us to communicate honestly and openly. I want the executive and legislative branches of our county government working hand in hand wherever possible to move Lawrence County forward.
We have important work ahead of us. There will be difficult decisions, and undoubtedly there will be disagreements along the way. But I believe we can disagree without becoming divided and work through those differences while maintaining the confidence and stability our citizens deserve from their county government.
I am tremendously optimistic about this new term.
Lawrence County has made significant progress in recent years, and growth brings both opportunity and responsibility. As the demands on county government increase, it becomes even more important that we have good people sharing the load, communicating well and trusting one another.
I am thankful to have Scott serving in this role, and I believe his leadership will allow both of us to serve more effectively. More importantly, I believe it gives us an opportunity to demonstrate that the executive and legislative branches don’t have to compete for influence or recognition. We can complement one another, support one another and put the interests of Lawrence County ahead of our own.
If we remain humble, communicate honestly, trust one another and remember who we are here to serve, I believe some of Lawrence County’s best days are still ahead.
Congratulations again to Chairman Scott Franks. I look forward to working alongside him and every member of our County Commission.
Titles come and go. Chairs change hands. But the responsibility to serve remains.
May God give all of us the wisdom, humility and discernment to do it well.
