By Miles Layton

Editor 

Random thoughts…

Plymouth Town Manager Joanne Floyd is retiring from a long career in Town Hall. I wish her well. 

My Joanne story — To check a budget number, I once called her just as she had finished mowing her grass. I respect someone who mows the grass – her mind sharp as a tack, she answered my questions. 

During Town Council meetings, Joanne knew her stuff – that was refreshing. She is one of those people who would give me a straight answer. 

As folks know, I’m not a big fan of government – doesn’t matter if it’s state, local or federal – but it’s nice when you work with a public official who is intelligent, competent and forthright. 

There are people like that – very competent public servants – in government across our region: Washington County Manager Curtis Potter, Superintendent David White, Tyrrell County Manager David Clegg, Chowan County Manager Kevin Howard, Edenton Town Manager Corey Gooden to name a few. 

That said, when some folks talk, I think to myself… good luck with that…

And this may be a shocking thought, but it’s true – we get the government we deserve. If informed citizens are actively engaged in the process, you’ll have a strong government no matter who is in charge. And you need good leaders who are unafraid to be transparent and make tough decisions, regardless of which political party they follow. 

In other news, Washington County High School Panthers’ JROTC and chaperones visited the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia, this past week. Institute’s mantra — “Forging Leaders. Honoring Tradition. Leading Tomorrow.” More on that story to come. Congrats on your trip and travels. Our daughter attends VMI – Our son is to join her in August. 

In other business, I attended the Washington County Chamber of Commerce meeting this past week. Lot of good things are happening. 

During the meeting, National Bear Festival Co-director Bradley Yates said between 25,000 and 30,000 people attended the festival — that’s good news! Many thousands of people came away with good memories of Plymouth and Washington County. Much praise goes to the organizers and volunteers who made this year’s festival a great experience for everyone. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Shop local, shop often. Dollars spent locally stay in our communities more than money spent at a big-box chain store. 

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