Featured image: Leadership Dekalb County participants with members of the Dekalb County Commission
By Tyler Pruett
tyler@southerntorch.com
FORT PAYNE, Ala.— Leadership Dekalb County held its Local Dekalb County Government Day last week. Participants toured local government offices and talked with a number of local elected officials, including DeKalb County Probate Judge Ronnie Osborn, DeKalb County County Commission members, and Fort Payne Mayor Larry Chesser and council. The day included attending a meeting with the DeKalb County Commission, a tour of the DeKalb County Courthouse, the the DeKalb County Revenue Office, and Fort Payne City Hall.
Leadership Dekalb County is a 10-month, nine-session course that takes existing and emerging leaders in DeKalb County business, community, education and other fields and immerses them in all aspects of government and civic leadership that keeps our area moving forward.
Students in the program get the opportunity to discuss the important issues facing Dekalb County and its people with the elected officials, individuals, community and business leaders and others who are not only also facing those issues, but charged with finding solutions. The program also gives participants an opportunity to network with other existing and emerging leaders and better prepare them to work together and continue moving our area forward.
The nine sessions include a full day experiencing and learning in first hand about the following issues: agriculture and economic development, tourism, health and social services, education, media, state and local government, and finally public safety. The class runs from August to May.
Notable attendees this year included Geraldine Mayor Chuck Ables, Constituent Affairs Representative for U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt Pam Abernathy and Times-Journal Managing Editor Heather Buckner. This year’s class is being co-chaired by Rainsville City Councilman Joey Graham and Renee Simpson, a retired Collinsville educator of more than 30 years.
Individuals who would like to take part in next year’s class may apply at: http://www.leadershipdekalbal.com.
