Reader applauds mayor's efforts

I remember while away at college back in the late seventies that my family told me about a nice young couple arriving at Rector to run the Clay County Democrat. It wasn't long after that, while Marki and I were home from college, that we had the opportunity to eat dinner with you and your wife at the Mosley home. If I'm not mistaken, you were attending the First Baptist Church at the time before you backslid and became a Methodist (HA!). We both agreed that you guys would fit in at Rector, and we also thought that you married over your head when we met Nancy. I'm persuaded that most of us fellows fall into that category.

Over the years things have changed around Rector and much of it is inevitable for small town life, but when we get the opportunity to come back home periodically we notice valuable improvements in the town. The roads are better than they've ever been, there seems to be a growing sense of community again and much effort is being put in to help Rector meet the challenges of the future. On our last visit, we were amazed at the new gym (though we miss the old), the new public library and the access it provides to the past days of our great little town. More than anything we noticed the upkeep of the town, streets and homes, which seem to point to a renewal of community pride.

We love Rector and hope the best for it and the excellent school system in the future, partly due to the fact that many former Rectorites dream about coming back in the future and enjoying the retirement years in our grand little slice of the planet.

Ron, as you know, we haven't always seen eye to eye on a number of issues, but we've always remained friends in spite of our disagreements. I'm one that believes that due honor should be paid to those who have served others well and made a difference in the lives of those around them. You and Nancy have certainly attained such status, and I don't think I'm alone in thanking you for your excellent leadership in helping Rector be her best. Your choices in surrounding yourself with others who share your love for Rector will certainly pay dividends in the future. I hope many others will catch the vision you have for our great little town.

I must also give a lot of extra credit to Nancy and your entire family's investment in the life of a town they didn't grow up in but voluntarily became a integral part of. I for one am proud that you're our Mayor and I wanted you to know that you and your family are appreciated by those who still live in Rector and those of us who do not have such a privilege at the present time. Don't grow discouraged in your endeavors but press on with confidence and consistency. A lot of us notice your works and your deeds more than you know. Keep up the faith! Some of us are hoping and praying for your success.

Dr. Roy Hargrave

Ormond Beach, Fla.