Robert Jones - PIckens County Commissioner

The weather has continued to be a major topic of discussion during the past month as we have had cold temperatures and snow and ice to contend with during the month of February.  The public works department has utilized their equipment and their de-icing products to keep our roads open and drivable, but I would remind our citizens again to not drive when snow and ice are covering the roads unless you absolutely need to drive somewhere.  Hopefully, this winter weather will soon be behind us and we can look forward to some beautiful spring weather here in North Georgia.

One of the many advantages I have in serving as your Commissioner is the opportunity to meet and work with many of our citizens who volunteer their time and their talents to the community and to the county.  I was extremely pleased to hear that Doug Brooks had been honored as the “Citizen of the Year” by the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce for his unselfish devotion and contributions to numerous organizations here in the county.  Doug Brooks is the epitome of a professional volunteer.  He gives so much of himself to all that he is involved and is a real asset to our community.  Congratulations to Doug.  We are proud and honored to count him as a citizen of Pickens County.

As we have discussed in prior editions of my monthly report, a very important event is coming up in Pickens County.  The United States Census, taken every ten years, will occur in April of this year.  Each of you will be receiving in the mail a questionnaire and return envelope.  I would urge all of our citizens to take a few short minutes to fill out this form, place in the return envelope (no postage required), and mail back to the Census Bureau.  Although only ten questions are on the form being used in 2010 and I do not believe you will have concerns about these questions, I would also advise you to not answer any questions you feel would be intruding on your privacy or your family’s privacy.  Some of our citizens (especially the ones who fail to return their questionnaires) may possibly receive a visit from a Census worker.  If you should receive such a visit, please make sure the Census worker has the proper identification and answer only those questions you feel comfortable about.  I understand that no questions will be asked regarding your social security number or your personal income level.

Why is the correct census numbers so important to Pickens County?  We feel that the census counts in both 1990 and 2000 were understated for Pickens County due to the high number of second home property owners here in the county along with a response rate of less than 50%.  The amount of assistance from both the Federal government and the State of Georgia will depend on these figures for the next ten years.  I firmly believe our citizens want only what we deserve, but an accurate count will enable us to receive what we rightfully deserve.

As we look forward to spring and warmer weather, I would request that you give consideration to what you might do this year to be a better spouse, a better employee and a better neighbor.  We are all fortunate to be living in such a “caring” county and my hope is that “caring attitude” will continue to thrive in Pickens County even though we face some very challenging times in our economy. 

Until the next time, stay safe and be healthy.