Stanley

Mar 4, 2010 — The Reidsville Review

Latala Payne

Mar. 3, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Economics, labor skills and infrastructure are the most important things in Rockingham County, according to incumbent commissioner Bobby Stanley, who is running for re-election in 2010.

Stanley said the global economy is changing the way rural counties function. He said in order for a county to survive, it must adapt to these new changes.

"The communities that adjust to these changes will be winners, and that's where tourism and a lot of things that used to be not as important are more important today," Stanley said. "The state parks, greenways and the horse park will play a major role in our economic system."

He said the county is fortunate that it borders urban counties like Guilford, but Rockingham needs its own infrastructure. The broadband plan and the plan for the future I-73 corridor fit into this plan, according to Stanley.

"Companies that are moving to Guilford won't even consider us because we don't have what they need -- technology is becoming even more important for us to be competitive," he said.

Stanley said the I-73 corridor could be as important for the county as the railways were in the 1920s. He said county officials are working hard to ensure this opportunity isn't lost.

"We will have access to northern Guilford County -- maybe some motels and restaurants can be created because of this," Stanley said. "What we really need to focus on are new jobs. We're getting some bites and a few things are happening, but we've got to do the right things if the county is going to improve. I'm a numbers man. I know that good economics and labor skills will go a long way in paying our bills."

Stanley said the county is like a big corporation run by a CEO and board of directors. He said things look bright for the future and the county is on the verge of "scoring some hits."

"The county can be a winner and will be a winner," he said. "We will win this thing -- whether I win the election or lose. Everybody likes to win, and I do too."

Recently, the county has seen several political groups starting to gain momentum. Stanley said these groups and their opinions are welcomed by the commissioners, and especially by himself.

"I respect anyone's thoughts, and if they don't like something, they have a right to respond or speak about it," he said. "I really think that any elected official should respect and listen to them. That doesn't mean we will all agree, but we need to respect the way they think. And there might even be some things we will agree on."

Name-calling and beating fists over issues is not the way to deal with government, according to Stanley. He said he cares a great deal about what the public says, and so does the rest of the board. Stanley said he would like to see a board response to the public comment period at one meeting each month. He said if this was implemented, maybe the public could better understand how the board thinks and decides on issues.

The proposed Horse Park of the South was also another issue Stanley wanted to address head-on. He said the board is looking for a reasonable approach to funding the park.

The focus is currently on regional support for the horse park.

"If we can get people in other counties in our region to get involved, whether it's governments or business, maybe we can make this happen," Stanley said. "If we can work this out without using people's property taxes to support it, then we will be okay."

Stanley said the county would benefit from something that is truly regional, and it would put the spotlight on Rockingham County.

"Some things you have to make happen because they won't ever happen otherwise," he said. "It's drawing people's attention. Whenever people see what they like, if they have a plan to expand or move, then they will consider us."

Stanley said the future looks bright for the county, and he would be happy to serve its people for another term.

"We're trying to promote Rockingham County, get some good economic development, keep the young people in school and get some jobs," Stanley said. "I feel really good about our future."

Newstex ID: KRTB-0292-42567331