Various Fayette County and Washington Court House elected and public officials were asked what they are thankful for even during this chaotic year. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, here are many of their comments:
County Commissioner Jim Garland — I am thankful for friends and family, especially my wife, son and daughter-in-law. I am thankful to be able to serve as commissioner of this great county and thankful for the great team that I work with. Many thanks to the Record-Herald for their news coverage. Looking forward to 2021 with hope and thanksgiving. Thank you all and may God bless!
County Commissioner Tony Anderson — I have been so fortunate that it’s difficult to not be thankful. Great family, great community, great opportunities that have been laid in front of me, and all I have had to do was try to help others have the same chances. A standard goal for me is to see the good things and help support that while discouraging spending effort on negatives. I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.
City Council member Kendra Redd-Hernandez — This year has offered me the opportunity to understand the true meaning of love and friendship in both my personal and professional life. I am so thankful for those who stepped up to the plate when I needed them most. Customers who continued to support my business in any way they could. Friends who offered support and words of encouragement. My mom, my wing man who graciously took on the challenge of home schooling my son so I could maneuver my business through the many obstacles. And I’m so thankful for the quality time I have had with my son. It has been a year that neither of us will forget.
City Council member Stephen Shiltz — I am thankful for our grandchildren’s good health, our children’s good health and my wife and my good health. I am thankful for the city of Washington C.H. being financially sound where you can live and feel safe and secure. I am grateful for the things my family and I have. We count our blessings every day. When being grateful, you have less depression and stress, and it helps slow down the aging clock. Being thankful and grateful is good for the heart and helps lower blood pressure. We all have been through a lot this year. Be thankful and grateful for what you have, and if you and your family are in good health be very thankful and grateful and count your blessings every day. Do the right thing and make people around you feel safe and secure, and they will be thankful to you. Have a very blessed and thankful Thanksgiving and holiday season.
City Council member Jim Blair — Finding things to be thankful for in 2020 is a challenge for everyone, some more than others. However, I am thankful to have been able to serve the citizens of Washington C.H. in the capacity of council person. Thankful for the support of my wife and those who have supported me during this trying period. And I am thankful for the first responders caring for victims, and for those working on a solution to this terrible virus who put their lives at risk every day. We all have known someone whose family has been deeply impacted by this scourge. I am deeply sorry for your loss. My condolences go out to each of you. Praying that next year will witness a return to a semblance of normalcy.
County Prosecuting Attorney Jess Weade — I am most thankful for my family: my wife and my two boys. With many things being different this year, we were able to spend a lot of additional time together making great memories. I am also thankful for a great staff at the office that has been willing to work and adapt through the many challenges and changes that the world has thrown at us this year. We never know exactly what is going to happen, but we have been able to work through work, life and the challenges that Covid-19 has thrust upon us. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
County Auditor Brenda Mossbarger — I am thankful that my family, friends and my staff have all stayed healthy with no critical Covid issues. I am thankful we have all been able to keep working from day one and continue to go forward. I am thankful for our community opening back up and so hope we can stay that way so we can all support each other locally.
Clerk of Courts/Deputy Registrar Sandy Wilson — This year I am truly thankful that my family, close friends and staff have remained safe and healthy during this challenging year. I am also thankful for the support and guidance I receive from the people in my life that help guide me through difficult and challenging decisions I have to make. And finally, I am most thankful for the arrival and good health of my first grandchild, Mitchell, who is by far the most joyous part of 2020. I wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
County Engineer Steve Luebbe — I’ve many things to be thankful for, but especially for family and friends. As I get older and it becomes more apparent that our time here is short, the time spent with family and friends becomes even more precious.
Sheriff Vernon Stanforth — We are a blessed people although during this trying time in our nation’s history, we sometimes lose our focus. I am thankful I have been able to stay focused over the previous year and provide leadership to those depending on me and provide for my family and friends. I am thankful for the unconditional love of a family and cherish my friends who steadfastly stand by me even when my faults are exposed. I am thankful for those who give me counsel so that I can make sound and informed decisions, knowing my choices may impact many people. I am most thankful for a Heavenly Father who forgives and forgets my transgressions. I am truly thankful the Lord has blessed me with the inner strength to forgive and forget. I strive in my daily walk to be more Christ-like and hope others see Christ in my walk.
