Inter-local cooperation between Surry County and its “sister” municipalities appears to be moving in the most positive productive direction in the history of our county. The generational affect of the “we vs. they” mentality of the past — the North Surry vs. Mount Airy, the Elkin vs. Mount Airy, across the river competitors, North Mount Airy vs. Bannertown — appears to be easing up and all leaders in our communities understand that we are all in this economic recovery together. Working together and cooperating on joint initiatives is wise and most productive for us all. A new industry and new jobs in Dobson is a win for all of Surry County. New jobs in Elkin are good for our whole region and all businesses and families in Surry County.

Although our communities carry many different personalities and character traits, it is very obvious to our community leaders, all our citizens care about our county, care about our character and our community values and our natural resources and our precious quality of life; and care about the future of our county and how what we do now affects our children and grand children. Our community cares. Don’t mistake “caring” for belligerent or antagonistic constituents. We have a few blow hards too. What good effort doesn’t? The method of delivering the message can at times get confused with what the message actually is but I have grown and learned to see through the method of communications and learned to hone in on the intent and actual message. I guess that comes with experiences as a Commissioner and hearing from so many citizens over seven years. It also comes from having a servant’s heart and being open to people just wanting to be heard and listened too and trying to do good.

Don’t get me wrong, all community leaders catch some fanatic belly aching, but the vast, vast majority of our Surry County and sister city citizens love Surry County and care about their neighbors well-being.

We are working through some historical efforts; some of the most positive long term life changing initiatives ever conceived — i.e. new water and sewer initiatives between Surry County and the city of Mount Airy; joint efforts between Surry County and Pilot Mountain to open up a new workforce development center and satellite campus of Surry Community College in Pilot Mountain., opening up a new workforce development center and satellite campus of Surry Community College in Elkin, joint water and sewer extension efforts with the county and the town of Dobson, the 50 mobile classroom units current being used in the county schools are being eliminated with new school construction efforts, Elkin High School is being upgraded and Mount Airy High School is being renovated and updated, and Surry Community College is building a new viticulture facility. There are numerous community initiatives and all are monumental.

Cheer for the Mount Airy Bears football team, cheer for a North Surry girls volleyball state championship, Elkin and Mount Airy’s tennis teams can bring in another state championship, East Surry Softball team is loaded as usual and cheer them on for another state title, Surry Central’s soccer team and cross country teams are on the hunt for state championships. Cheer and pull for them with all your heart. When it comes to what is best for the greater good of Surry County, all of Surry County and our grandchildren and great grandchildren, we are all in this together and pull for-cheer-support-rally with all we/you have. Passion for the greater good, commitment to do what’s best for your fellow man and ultimately with God’s grace, we can move mountains. I love this county!

Craig Hunter is chairman of the Surry County Board of Commissioners, where he represents the Mount Airy District.