Hardeman County Commissioner Miller Holds Town Hall Meeting

Hardeman County Commissioner Bethany Miller held the second of her planned Town Hall Meetings on Monday, August 7, 2023, at Carriage House Coffee in Bolivar. Guest speakers included Hardeman County Director of Schools Dr. Christy Smith, Hardeman County Road Superintendent Casey Swift, Tennessee State Representative Johnny Shaw, and James Reaves with the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program.

Dr. Smith was the first to speak and shared some of the issues of importance county schools are facing as students return to school.

“The number one priority of our schools is safety,” said Dr. Smith “We are making sure our plans, our drills, and our protocols are in place.”

Smith shared updates about early literacy programs for elementary school and the focus on high school. She stressed the importance of helping high school students know their options regarding career awareness and learning soft skills, dual enrollment, and having the tools they need to be successful when they graduate.

Casey Swift whose department is responsible for 653 miles of county roads and 125 bridges shared a bit about what his department does and some of the ongoing projects they are working on.

“Potholes are a big issue in the county,” said Swift who added he as a citizen has that same concern.

Many attendees had questions for Swift about when road jobs would be completed in their areas. He assured that all his crew was diligently working on multiple projects from a “10-year” list and even shared his telephone number for people to call with problems. Swift reminded all of one way to keep more money in the county that goes towards maintenance of the roads.

“When you stop out of area for gas and food, that money is lost for our roads,” said Swift encouraging people to shop locally.

“I wish the government worked like most of us thought it does,” said Shaw who reminded the people that although he represents and advocates for his district, his vote is just one. “Getting things done [in Nashville] is not always as easy as it appears.”

Shaw took questions, many of which were better directed to local government, and he provided clarity as to whom people should contact based on their questions. He also discussed the availability of micro loans, the Tennessee Works Tax Act, and encouraged people to register, and to vote strategically to get things done.

“Support one person instead of having 20 people running,” said Shaw. “And vote even if it is a dog catcher election. Just vote.”

James Reaves spoke about his position working with landowners who may have experienced discrimination in USDA Farm Lending prior to January 1, 2021. He is helping citizens complete the application process that opened in July.

“It is a quick process. The application closes on October 31, 2023” said Reaves. “We are going to do conference calls, Zoom calls, and face-to-face assisting you with filling out the application.”

The August Town Hall meeting is the second of three meetings Commissioner Miller has planned for this year. Miller shared some of the reasons she started holding the meetings.

“Some people are not able to make it to the commission and council meetings,” said Miller who had an open tab for people to order drinks from Carriage House Coffee during the meeting. “These meetings provide an intimate setting and may encourage people to feel more comfortable asking questions.”

Commissioner Miller’s next Town Hall meeting will be held in December.

Read more local news by clicking here.

Stay informed on what’s happening in Hardeman County by subscribing to Hatchie Press e-mail updates.

Do you have community news you’d like to share? E-mail us at news@hatchiepress.com.