During the mid-to-late 1970s, I lived in Augusta, Ga. I was the CEO of the city's coliseum/sports arena/exhibition hall. The governments of Richmond County, Ga., and the city government of Augusta, merged into the Augusta-Richmond County Consolidated Government in 1995 with 66.7 percent voting yes. Three previous attempts failed (in 1971 with 41.5 percent voting yes; in 1974 with 48.5 percent voting yes; and in 1976 with 45.5 percent voting yes).
Therefore, it took 24 years to get it done. A new generation had to make it happen. Why is it so very difficult to get people to accept change? Now, their citizens are prospering, and they are pleased with the cost savings and the improved delivery of public services. The police, fire and medical services for the consolidated government are well respected and admired, and the infrastructure is modern and well maintained.
Ditto for the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Ga., (Muscogee County). I was the CEO of the Ironworks Convention and Trade Center from 1985 to 1988. The City of Columbus, Ga., and Muscogee County, Ga., governments consolidated much earlier than Augusta-Richmond County (1970), with 80.7 percent voting for approval. Consolidation had failed in 1962 with only 42.1 percent in favor. The City of Columbus and the Government of Muscogee County consolidated their governments, and because of that decision on the part of the voters, the area has prospered dramatically.
What did the citizens do to make it happen? All of the "good ole boys" were required to relinquish their positions at the public trough. Everyone had to give up his or her long-held turf. That will have to happen in Cabell County.
Why is our state always 50 years behind in taking action for needed change? Will the people of Cabell County rise up and vote for consolidation? I will vote yes.
The future generations of our county will praise us for having the guts and foresight to defeat the "good ole boy network." Layered government is too expensive -- one government is less costly, more efficient and more capable of delivering quality public services.
This is an idea whose time has come for our county. Our political leaders and citizens continue to be self-absorbed. When will we finally begin thinking about our responsibility to the future citizens of Cabell County. We should put aside our "me ... me ... me attitudes" and consider supporting the consolidation of the City of Huntington and the Cabell County governments for the future welfare of our area.
Let us start by having the two governments agree on developing a plan for the consolidation of major services, such as police and fire protection. Then, we can evaluate the cost savings and continue on to the next step of a one-government Cabell County.
C. Richard Cobb is a Huntington resident, a neighborhood advocate, founder of the Adopt Your Block program and a former citizen member of The Herald-Dispatch editorial board. He writes the "Neighborhood Issues in Cabell County" blog at www.herald-dispatch.com.
7-day Archive
