Election season is underway and it has not been pretty.
I have not been in Newton County long compared to most. In the year and a half I’ve been here, I’ve heard about the improved relations between Covington and Newton County. Apparently, it used to be pretty bad.
In the last two weeks, I’ve seen a regression in the positive relations I’ve become accustomed to.
Commissioner J.C. Henderson started a conversation when he posted a Facebook Live video at Spillers Park.
That might not have been the best tactic.
As an elected official, J.C. knows exactly how it feels to be chastised over decisions, questioned over budgetary items or reminded about neglected projects. He has experience talking with constituents and working toward the desired results.
In the case of Spillers Park, he might have gone about it the wrong way. Instead of adding fuel to the fire, why not approach your fellow elected representatives? Why not raise your concerns to a Covington city council member? This conversation could have even remained completely private as J.C.’s son, Anthony Henderson, is on the council.
Consistently, throughout both Facebook Live videos J.C. has shared, he said he’s bringing up the park’s condition for the children. He is worried about the kids in his district.
Let me go as far as saying, I don’t think it’s about the kids anymore. It might have started out that way, but this seems to be all about politics.
The problems with Spillers Park did not happen overnight and as a commissioner who has represented the county for nearly 20 years, J.C. has had more than enough time to not only raise his concerns to the city, but find a solution.
Instead of picking fights, I’d urge Commissioner Henderson and the Covington City Council to work together to find a solution that fits everyone. Instead of pointing fingers and shrugging off responsibility, I’d say it is time for everyone to come together and really work for the kids and community as a whole.
Jackie Gutknecht is the managing editor of The Covington News. Her email address is jgutknecht@covnews.com. Twitter: @JackieG1991.
