Now that we have elected new county council members, school board members, sheriffs, house and senate representatives, this is a good time to let them know that we expect public meetings and the work of government to be done in public so it is open and transparent to everyone. This is enshrouded in law as […]
Guest Editorial: Government business should be open to the public for inspection
November 21, 2024 By
Letter: Fairfield County Council Meeting Raises Leadership, Public Engagement Questions
November 7, 2024 By
During the latest Fairfield County Council meeting, tensions flared as members discussed various topics, from STEM education initiatives to community welfare issues. However, pressing questions regarding the county’s safety and emergency preparedness were sidelined, raising concerns among some residents about the effectiveness of their elected officials. Councilwoman Peggy Swearingen attempted to address these vital issues, […]
R2 Black Parents Assoc. grades incumbent candidates
October 31, 2024 By
The Report Card The Richland 2 Black Parents Association believes that families, parents, and community members should be thoroughly informed about the current incumbent board candidates’ records with the district as they seek another term on the school board. As an association, we have 3 specific goals. To serve as a voice for parents, teachers, […]
Letter: Burn the Comprehensive Plan!
October 31, 2024 By
“Negativity is holding us back and we should aggressively suppress the wellspring of that negativity,” according to the county’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan. To do that, council should start with a public burning of the County’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan, which makes the county look so bad. If we burn that Plan, potential new investors and residents […]
Letter: It’s Time for Positive Change
October 31, 2024 By
Fairfield County is blessed with beautiful land, a great history, and caring neighbors. We are also smack dab in the middle of major growth to the north and south of us. The past decade has seen incredible population and business growth all around us, yet not in Fairfield. I believe we need to have a […]
Guest Editorial: “Whose Rules Are These Anyway?”
October 24, 2024 By
Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, I found myself navigating what I can only describe as a lesson in bureaucratic futility at the County Council meeting, and I’m still trying to figure out if I was attending a government function or an episode of “Whose Rules Are These Anyway?” My mission was simple: I wanted to discuss […]
Letter: Food for Thought
October 17, 2024 By
I suggest County Council read and heed the following citizen-centered policy quote by President John F. Kennedy. “We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasant facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values. For a nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market […]
Letter: Focus on Enforcing Laws
October 3, 2024 By
The controversial change of the animal ordinance was unknown to the vast majority of the citizens of Fairfield County until the AKC posted and opposed it on the internet. Thanks to the AKC, dog owners were alerted before the second reading that allows public comment. Once Fairfield County dog owners read the ordinance, they showed […]
Guest Editorial AKC is not an animal welfare organization
September 26, 2024 By
I feel an obligation to respond publicly to a national organization’s opposition to our county’s attempt to improve animal welfare. This year a very important animal welfare bill called Cost of Care, was introduced to the Senate. I tell you this because the American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly opposed the bill and lobbied for its […]
Letter: Adopt Revised Ord. 828
September 26, 2024 By
Although ordinance 828 needs tweaking, it must not be swept under the rug because of outspoken citizens opposing it as observed Monday night. The ordinance can be tweaked for dogs protecting livestock, reputable breeding establishments, and reputable hunters as well as fees. However, keep in mind that not everyone in the aforementioned groups are necessarily […]
