Congratulations to the members of the Chilton County Commission, recipients of the Excellence in County Government Award for the second consecutive year. The award, presented by the Association of County Commissioners of Alabama, recognizes the efforts of the Chilton County Commission in the “extreme makeover” of the Chilton County Airport.

Because of recent improvements to the airport infrastructure, the facility is better able to provide critical aviation services for residents and is evolving into a vital component of local economic development efforts. In 2014, members of the commission received similar recognition for their work relating to the formulation and integration of a plan to construct a new hospital facility for Chilton County.

The need to improve and expand basic infrastructure has become increasingly important as our county and municipalities continue to experience growth in population and the resultant increase in demand for services. This growth will continue to be driven by specific geographic and demographic factors that include our location in the geographical center of Alabama as well as proximity to the state’s largest population center, the state capitol and two of Alabama’s fastest growing counties. Chilton County is also unique in having multiple access points to the most heavily traveled interstate highway system in the state.

As any realtor will attest, “It’s all about location, location, location.”

The old adage, “Time waits for no one” seems especially relevant as growth will come to Chilton County at an increasingly rapid pace.

It is imperative that we plan for that growth today.

Otherwise, we lose the ability to take advantage of those opportunities that will define our future. For residents of Chilton County, the challenge is to decide whether to manage the coming growth for the betterment of our citizens or to allow that growth to manage us in a manner that benefits no one.

In 2016, we will have the right, privilege and responsibility to participate in the process of electing those individuals who will represent us during this critical period in the development of our county. I strongly encourage every citizen of Chilton County to accept this responsibility and exercise the right and privilege of participating in the electoral process.

In doing so, we become part of the solution instead of allowing our future to be determined by events that unfold around us.

In closing, I again commend members of the commission for their efforts in developing the initial infrastructure necessary for the future economic development of Chilton County.

Although many challenges remain, I firmly believe that every challenge creates opportunity.

In the coming years, we have the opportunity to create a better standard of living for all residents of Chilton County. But opportunity demands responsibility. Each of us has the responsibility to become involved in the process of determining the future direction of our community. In meeting this responsibility, we can create a better Chilton County, not only for ourselves but for future generations as well.

–Billy Singleton serves as the Chair of the Chilton County Republican Party.