I am deeply disappointed in our Walker County commissioners for giving up their authority to the chairman of the Commission this past June. By doing so, they surrendered their responsibility to approve where and how our tax dollars are allocated, including which banks hold our county's funds.

I voted for a five-person commission because I wanted shared decision-making and not a return to a system where one person holds all the power. Why would any commissioner willingly give up their right to vote on important matters, especially financial ones? If they didn't want the responsibility of making decisions for the citizens of Walker County, why did they run for office in the first place?

The recent decision to move $12 million out of our county was a bad decision. The Bank of LaFayette is a true hometown institution, which is something rare in today's world of corporate greed. They care about Walker County. Their employees live here, their children go to school here, and they continually give back through donations to schools, sports teams and community events.

Choosing to move our money elsewhere puts corporate profit over community values. When I called my Commissioner, Gene Wilson, I asked tough questions:

Did you see the written bids from the five banks?

Did you consider the impact on local lending power for families and farmers?

Did you remember that your voters trusted you to protect Walker County's interests?

I wasn't satisfied with the answers I received. That's why I'm sharing my concerns publicly, to make sure something like this never happens again.

Our commissioners should be champions for local business and local investment. We should prioritize buying and banking within our county, even if it costs a little more, because the service, loyalty and long-term benefits are worth it.

I urge the commission to move the $12 million back to the Bank of LaFayette immediately and to restore their right to vote on all financial transfers. It's time to implement a proper Request for Proposal process for all major purchases, transfers and acquisitions, just as the State of Georgia does.

If transparency is truly your goal, this commission missed the mark entirely. Shame on you for failing the people you serve.