By Staff
March 7, 2004
Certain members of the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors and other local officials were raked over the coals, figuratively speaking, last week for their travel schedule. While many voters may not agree as is certainly their right there is nothing inherently wrong in local officials visiting Washington, D.C., and talking one-on-one with senators and representatives. Mississippi depends on its congressional delegation to come up with the money that helps ends meet.
There are so many pending projects in Lauderdale County and Meridian many of which have some sort of federal connection that it could be important for the congressional delegation to get a first-hand report. Particularly, local officials need to explain why there have been so many delays in certain projects, such as water and sewer service to the Interstate 20/59 Industrial Park. Federal grants have deadlines and it is a waste of time for a federal official to help get money for a project that isn't moving along.
From a senator or congressman's perspective, every city and county in America has needs and desires; the ones who will get the most attention next time are the ones who get their work done this time.
With reference to the National Association of Counties meeting in Washington, which was attended by three supervisors, the most important question is not that they went, but what useful information will they bring back.
Perhaps soon one or all of them will report to the their colleagues and voters on the benefits of this particular trip.