Editor’s note: Lavonia Mayor Courtney Umbehant submitted the following letter to the Franklin County Citizen Leader for publication.
Lavonia is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.
It has many special things that make it wonderful, but its greatest treasure is the people that live and work here.
Lavonia is but one part of the whole of Franklin County.
The things that happen here affect all of Franklin County. In fact, when something, good or bad, happens in Canon, Carnesville, Franklin Springs, and Royston, all of Franklin County is affected by it.
Generally speaking, what is good for one of us is good for all of us and what is bad for one is bad for all.
Because of this mindset, I have endeavored to work toward the greater good, not just for Lavonia, but Franklin County as a whole.
I have been proud to work alongside the other mayors of Franklin County, as well as other elected officials, in working toward a more unified vision for our county.
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners, the Franklin County Board of Education, the Franklin County Industrial Building Authority and the mayors and city councils of Canon, Carnesville, Franklin Springs, Lavonia and Royston all have the same ultimate goal. Our goal is to help our community, Franklin County, be the best it can be and grow in a sustainable and responsible manner, leaving behind a wonderful place to live for our children and grandchildren.
These boards are full of good, well-intentioned and honorable elected officials, who work to make Franklin County a better place.
Each board has different roles and responsibilities in that ultimate goal.
It is important that each have a good understanding of economic development and fully understand their role in it. It is also important that each serve in their role in the process and attempt to support the whole when possible.
This is the reason that the Franklin County Industrial Building Authority organized the Economic Development Summit for elected officials and for citizens.
It is also why there have been meetings between the various governing bodies, including the Board of Education, to discuss the issues facing our county. Each meeting has been beneficial to our ultimate goal.
In last week’s edition of the Citizen Leader, the Board of Education invited the other governing bodies to join them for an Inter-Governmental Summit on Easter weekend April 16.
Easter weekend will be full of many activities, such as community egg hunts, family outings and vacations, and most importantly the celebration of our Risen Savior.
Therefore, I would like to extend an invitation to the Franklin County Board of Education, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, the Franklin County Industrial Building Authority and the cities of Canon, Carnesville, Franklin Springs and Royston to join the City of Lavonia on Thursday, April 14, at 6 p.m. at the Lavonia Depot as an alternative date for this Inter-Governmental Meeting to discuss the economic development and growth of the county that we all love.
If this date is agreeable, I will be happy to invite a facilitator to help this meeting be as productive as possible.
I encourage each entity to submit concerns and topics to be discussed so that an agenda can be prepared.
Over the next few years, Franklin County will experience a lot of growth.
There will be quite a bit of housing growth, industrial development and new retail businesses. We will like some of the changes, other changes, not so much.
However, through the good and bad, we must keep our eyes on that ultimate goal.
We must be mindful of unintended consequences, existing infrastructure, comprehensive plans and many other issues.
Together we can advance Franklin County toward a bright future.
Sincerely,
Mayor Courtney Umbehant,
City of Lavonia