GOV’T SHUTDOWN: Resident urges Limestone commissioners to take action

Published 7:00 pm Wednesday, January 16, 2019

The Limestone County Commission on Wednesday was urged to do its part to reopen the government.

Limestone resident James Hickman asked commissioners to send a letter to the bipartisan National Governors Association, of which Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is a member.

The association has 55 members representing all U.S. states and territories. Last week, the group pleaded with President Donald Trump to end the partial government shutdown.

“(The shutdown) is causing real financial pain and stress and will have an impact on Limestone County,” Hickman told commissioners.

He said armed services members and civilian workers at Redstone Arsenal are being affected, as are employees who work for contractors outside the arsenal.

“No elected officials can remain silent, especially local elected officials like you who are close to the governor,” Hickman said. “There is a reason you were elected to speak on behalf of us.”

District 2 Commissioner Steve Turner, who led the work session in place of Chairman Collin Daly, said he would pass Hickman’s concerns along to the chairman. Daly and District 1 Commissioner Daryl Sammet were both in Montgomery for training Wednesday.

The commission will meet again 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, on the second floor of the Clinton Street Courthouse Annex.