Mike Stegall, Darke County Commissioner...
Coffee with the Commissioner to resume in January 
November  29, 2011 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the “Coffee with the Commissioner” gatherings I have had this past year.  The success is due to you, the people of Darke County.  

When I was elected, one of my goals was to bring government back to the people.  Over the years, people have become disconnected with their chosen representatives, and I believe this is why we are in the shape we are in now.  

As President Lincoln said in the last line of the Gettysburg address: “… and the Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”  I believe that.  This government is the people.  What elected officials forget is that we work for you, and in order to know what you expect of us, we need to be accessible and communicate with each other.  

I will continue to make myself, and any elected official who wishes to join me, accessible.  This is not about me or anybody else, it is about letting people have access to their government, period.  The old saying “I can’t fix it if I don’t know it’s broke” applies here.  This is your chance to let us know what we need to fix.  I think it has been a real success.  

I plan on continuing with these gatherings, because I need to know what you think, and I really enjoy talking to people.  I have learned that people do appreciate the fact that they can contact us anytime with concerns, and correct us when necessary without  recrimination, or on that rare occasion tell us what we are doing right!  I will resume the “Coffee with the Commissioners” in January after the Christmas Holiday.    

I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and may we continue in the New Year to work together to remedy Darke County’s problems.  May God Bless each and every one of you!!    Merry Christmas!! 

Mike Stegall, Darke County Commissioner