After a rather uneventful agenda void of arguments and bickering, County Commissioner Warren Mackey on Wednesday took some time to give props to another commissioner on the board.
“The people on this dais, I like a lot, and sometimes, I go as far to say “Who do I like the most,” said Commissioner Mackey, before revealing his rather surprising choice. “I do have to say, Commissioner Boyd is someone I really like, and I’ll tell you why.”
While Commissioner Mackey and Commissioner Tim Boyd are on opposite ends of the political spectrum when it comes to a variety of issues, Commissioner Mackey shed light on how his fellow commissioner’s vocal attitude kept other groups accountable.
“When he first came on the commission, he used to challenge, challenge, and challenge the purchasing and finance department,” said Commissioner Mackey. “And as we’ve seen that group has done a much better job of bringing information to us.”
He said Commissioner Boyd’s challenges had a profound effect on the purchasing and finance department. Because of Commissioner Boyd’s efforts, the departments now do in-depth research into their proposed purchases, as they now know the commission will want to know every detail surrounding these proposed transactions.
“They accept that we’re going to push them hard in regards to knowing that when they make a recommendation when it comes to spending money, they have been pushed hard enough to know that it’s not just going to be rubber-stamped,” said Commissioner Mackey. “They anticipate the questions that we’re going to ask, and because they’ve done their homework because they knew Commissioner Boyd would push them, we’ve become a much more efficient commission. And I would just like to say thank you commissioner.”
Commissioner Mackey reiterated his admiration for his fellow commissioner’s tenacity. While the two disagree on plenty of subjects, both men do have a very similar goal they wish to reach.
“Tim Boyd, you know, is pretty fearless,” said the commissioner. “He and I have had several confrontations and we try to keep it behind closed doors. But over time, he and I have worked out our differences and we understand each other, and we’re working toward the same purpose.”
After saying this, Commissioner Mackey revealed this purpose, one which tied in with the subject of purchases and finance. Both commissioners want to make sure the county they have been elected to represent continues to progress, both socially and economically.
“That purpose is to move this county forward,” said Commissioner Mackey, “We both want growth, and we both recognize that these companies are not going to wait on Hamilton County to get their act together.”
Commissioner Mackey expanded on this statement. He was worried about other nearby counties thriving at the expense of Hamilton County. The commissioner said that if Hamilton County doesn’t become more friendly to builders, the opportunities will pass the county by.
“These builders, they’re not going to play games with Hamilton County. They’re going over to Bradley County and building there. And Bradley County is welcoming them, saying, 'Welcome new taxpayers. Hamilton County doesn’t want you guys. So we receive you guys well, and we’ll do for you what Hamilton County government doesn’t do, which is make it easier to build.' "