Open government, economic development top Hitt's priorities

By By Chris Allen Baker/staff writer
Jan. 8, 2002
An open, accessible and informed county government is at the top of Craig Hitt's priorities after becoming president of the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors on Monday.
Economic Development is a second priority as Hitt, District 3 supervisor, succeeds Jimmie Smith, District 2 supervisor, in heading the board. District 4 Supervisor Q.V. Sykes will serve as vice president.
Hitt, serving in his first term in any elected office, said there will be few if any major immediate changes in county business in 2002.
Hitt is a Meridian native who returned to Lauderdale County in 1990 after a 10-year absence. He said he has had a longtime interest in community service.
Keeping the public informed has been a major goal for Hitt, who said he has sponsored public meetings with constituents. One of his goals is to make sure a supervisor if not him personally represents the county at major public events.
Hitt said he believes the county faces a number of issues and that "foremost on all of our minds is economic development. We want to continue to strive to get new business in and provide for new opportunities for jobs."
Aside from serving as president, Hitt still has a to-do list for his own district. Besides road improvements and other concerns, he wants to see a new recreational park created for the community.