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Commissioner Jimmie Hardee recently returned from a trip to Washington D.C., where he spent time and shared ideas with other county commissioners throughout the country.

Hardee’s visit included meeting Congressman Gary Palmer and Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama.

According to Hardee, the conversations went well and Palmer showed an interest in meeting with the entire Chilton County Commission at some point in the future to discuss the 911 building and the possibility of airport expansion.

“We need to explore everything,” Commissioner Steve Langston said.

The event lasted from Feb. 27 to March 2 and Hardee made the trip as Chilton County’s representation.

Classes were offered each day and meetings were held to discuss various topics, such as mental health in jails, road funding and other issues that are unique at the county level.

Another one of Hardee’s highlights on the trip included the opportunity to sit in on a legislative session of the House of Representatives.

He is already looking forward to the next chance he gets to make another trip, and encouraged his fellow Commissioners to consider it as well.

The gathering is an annual outing that involved several members from the Association of County Commissioners of Alabama, as well as other state organizations.

Commission Chairman Allen Caton and Commissioner Joseph Parnell have attended the conference in the past.

The trip was very educational and eye opening, Hardee said. Especially for someone, such as himself, who is still new to the role of Commissioner and continuing to learn with each meeting that passes.

“This was an experience that I can definitely use, as we all look to move the county forward,” Hardee said.