County commissioners honor Larry Walker, Dan Perdue

HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — Tuesday was a day for ceremony and recognition for the County commissioners, as they recognized both Georgia Sen. Larry Walker and former Commissioner/future Chairman Dan Perdue for outstanding achievements.

Brig. Gen. Jon Eberlan of the United States Air Force led the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance and Commissioner Gail Robinson led the invocation. After the commissioners celebrated Eberlan’s service and gifted him tokens of gratitude, the meeting moved to presentations.

Chairman Tommy Stalnaker explained the reason for their presentations.

“The Association of County Commissioners [ACCG], they select various representatives and senators through out the state who have advocated for county government during the previous session,” Stalnaker said. “This time, they have selected one of our own.”

Todd Edwards, deputy legislative director for the ACCG, presented the award.

“Each year, ACCG gives out what we call the Legislative Service Awards to legislators, senators, representatives who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, to work not only with ACCG, but Georgia counties, to make this a better place, not only for all the citizens of Georgia, but particularly the tax-paying citizens of Georgia,” Edwards said. “This year, we are honored to present Sen. Larry Walker with one of these awards, for many reasons.”

Edwards explained that Walker has assisted ACCG on a number of occasions — in helping with administering insurance programs for counties; for his sponsorship of House Bill 750, a.k.a. the Freedom to Farm Bill; of Senate Bill 361; the Less Crime Act; and of Senate Bill 581, the Georgia Plan Coordinate System.

“Sen. Walker is a great partner, not only to Houston County, but all of Georgia’s counties and their citizens in crafting sound public policy for the State of Georgia,” he said.

Walker thanked Eberlan for his service, his wife for her support and his parents for their guidance.

“I’m not really anything different than other legislators that work with the county commissioners, but I do think I have a better appreciation than some of my colleagues for what the county commissioners do,” Walker said. “Really, they’re what makes government work for the everyday local communities and the local people.

“They’re the boots on the ground. They’re the ones dealing with potholes in the road, garbage issues, water and sewer issues and kitchen table issues that really matter to people, that impact people’s lives. They give up a lot, and they deal with a lot. They’re close to the people. I feel like the county commissioners know more about what’s best for their community than some bureaucrat somewhere in Washington or Atlanta, or some politician in Washington or Atlanta.”

Walker said he works to listen to the commissioners when they call about the issues affecting their communities.

“We won’t always agree, but most of the time I defer to what the local government is talking about,” he added.

Walker thanked Chairman Stalnaker for his mentorship and leadership of Houston County and retook his seat. Edwards followed suit.

Stalnaker asked that ACCG Executive Director Dave Willis and former Commissioner Perdue stand and be recognized.

“The Association of County Commissioners of Georgia has a program where we help educate the county commissioners — it’s called the Life Long Learning Academy,” Willis said. “In this program, there is a core curriculum and then there are choices you can make, not unlike college. Dan [Perdue] achieved what very few people do, particularly in that amount of time, and he became a certified county commissioner.”

Willis turned to Perdue, addressing him directly.

“Dan, we’re very pleased to present this to you, and we are looking forward to, come January, to working very close to you as long as you choose to serve and the citizens allow you that privilege,” he said.

Perdue thanked the ACCG as well as his wife, Jessica, for her support before retaking his seat.

During new business, the commissioners approved several special exception applications and tabled one, approved personnel requests, bids and vehicle purchases, and continued county projects through change orders and right-of-way easements. Following the approval of the bills, the meeting was adjourned.

To access the agenda, video or supporting documents for this meeting, visit the county website or go to houstoncountyga.org/commissioner/meeting-minutes.cms. Commissioner meetings are typically held on the first Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Board of Commissioners Chambers at the Perry Courthouse or on the third Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Board of Commissioners Chambers of the Warner Robins Courthouse.

The commissioners’ next meeting will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 16, at 5 p.m.

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