Disappointing voter turnout, but successful veteran events
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Food for Thought
Judge of Probate Richard Dean
Did you know we had an election on November 8, 2022? I hope you did. I also hope you exercised your right to elect the people who will represent you and make many decisions affecting you and your family over the next few years.
However, looking at the number of people who voted, there must have been many who did not realize we were having an election. For this election, the Alabama voter participation rate was only 38.5 percent. Coosa County’s voter participation rate was 47.29 percent; almost 10 percent higher than the state. Coosa County always beats the state turn-out rate.
However, in my most humble opinion, this speaks volumes about how much people really care about their nation, state and county. Alabama was voting to elect people who will represent them in offices ranging from the U.S. Senate to governor to county school board.
I am sure Christa and “The Coosa County News” staff have many details about the election, so I will not repeat that information here. However, I want to address the fact I routinely hear many complaints about the performance of elected leaders at all levels of government. Some valid, some simply because of a lack of understanding about what those elected leaders can and cannot do. There are many limitations imposed because of laws, budget constraints, federal/state/local regulations, ethics rules, and their actual job descriptions/position authority.
Elections are our opportunity to make our voice heard. If we do not go to the polls and cast our votes on election day, it doesn’t do any good to gripe or complain to our neighbors and fellow citizens. On the other hand, when we have an elected leader who is doing a great job for us, we should be voting to ensure he/she is reelected to continue working for us.
Voting is not only a right, but also a duty. Voting is our voice in government affairs. Casting a vote gives us a right to gripe when things go badly with our government. With that, enough said about elections; although, we are seeing things about the 2024 election cycle and have barely wrapped up the 2022 cycle.
On to more successful and pleasant events in Coosa County. As you know, November 11 was Veterans Day. There were three veterans’ events around Coosa County, and all were outstanding. All the events were well attended, and I saw many of the same faces at all three events.
For me, it is always a great pleasure to be with fellow veterans and hear war stories. And, just for the record, we veterans do not tell lies; we tell war stories. Sometimes these stories may be beyond belief to the average citizen. However, that is in part the reason why military service is so unique; one experiences things that are beyond belief – many you wouldn’t believe yourself had you not experienced them.
Members of the Coosa Central Honor Guard presented the colors at all three events and did an outstanding job every time. I appreciate tremendously our Honor Guard. It gives me a great sense of pride each time I see these young men and women performing their color guard duties for us.
Weogufka had a great service at their Veterans Memorial. What started out as a memorial to West Coosa veterans quickly grew into a memorial for the entire county. If you are a veteran or know a veteran and desire to have your or their name inscribed on the memorial, you can contact the Weogufka Neighborhood Watch team.
If you do not know who is on the team, simply go to the Neighborhood Watch meeting on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 at the old Weogufka School. The team is always there, and there is always an outstanding meal of down-home cooking. The Weogufka event is always at 2 p.m. on the Sunday before Veterans Day.
The Disabled Veterans of Goodwater had an excellent program celebrating and remembering our veterans. Spencer Hardy was the guest speaker and did an excellent job. The Goodwater Disabled Veterans have their annual event at 10 a.m. each November 11, at the Goodwater Auditorium. Put it on your calendar for next year!
Finally, Rockford had its annual veterans program on Friday evening at the Rockford Event Center. The turnout was great, and the meal was excellent. Students from Coosa Central served the meal in a most professional manner.
Spencer Hardy pulled double duty by being the guest speaker there, as well. He even had some different “war stories” to share at each event! Rockford’s annual Veterans Day event is held on November 11, at 6 p.m., at the Event Center.
I appreciate all our veterans for their service and the patriotism of our Coosa County citizens – young and old. Until next month, stay safe, enjoy Thanksgiving, and thank God you live in America!