Dr. Vicki Karolewics, Randall Shedd, Kerry Watson and Jerry Barlett / WSCC / Tribune file photos
CULLMAN COUNTY – In this installment of The Tribune’s New Year’s series, we hear from Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics, Rep. Randall Shedd, Cullman County Commissioner Kerry Watson and Good Hope Mayor Jerry Bartlett.
Wallace State Community College President Dr. Vicki Karolewics
What is your fondest memory of 2017?
“There are so many, it is difficult to choose! On a personal level, it has certainly been watching my first granddaughter Madison Grace grow into the little 18-month-old she is today. On a professional level, it has been to witness the accolades Wallace State has accumulated this year – Achieving the Dream Leader College, Aspen Institute Designation as a top community college in the nation, and a National League of Nursing Center of Excellence.”
Is there anything about 2017 you'd rather forget?
“I would like to pretend that the political divisiveness that has consumed our nation had not occurred. We have much more in common than that which divides people along political lines.”
What are you most looking forward to in 2018?
“I am looking forward to many things because I am an eternal optimist. Most of all, however, I look forward to my son being well again.”
Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview
What is your fondest memory of 2017?
“I have a number of personal fond memories, but legislatively my fondest memory is being appointed to chair the House Committee on Urban and Rural Development. This puts my district at the table in Montgomery, when decisions are made. That puts me on the leadership team and gives my district some clout, and I intend to use it for my district.”
Is there anything about 2017 you'd rather forget?
“What I’d like to forget is all the political corruption we saw in 2017 from the former governor, former speaker, the U.S. Senate appointment, and then the nasty U.S. Senate election. Let’s put all that behind us and move on.”
What are you most looking forward to in 2018?
“I look forward to 2018, seeing our state’s leaders articulate a vision and plan that the public can buy into to move our state forward. I look forward to being vocal about the choice the State Board of Education makes for state superintendent. It’s time we have the Nick Saban/Gus Malzahn of education. I’m calling on our state school board to search the nation over and find that person, and whatever takes bring them to Alabama.”
Cullman County Commissioner Kerry Watson
What is your fondest memory of 2017?
“I do not have just one thing that would stand out as my fondest memory of 2017. I enjoyed the whole year.”
Is there anything about 2017 you'd rather forget?
“I do not want to forget anything about 2017. I believe every experience you have is meant to be a learning or teaching experience that you can use as a building block for the future.”
What are you most looking forward to in 2018?
“My expectation for 2018 is that I look forward to serving the people of Cullman County and seeing what God has in store for me.”
Good Hope Mayor Jerry Bartlett
What is your fondest memory of 2017?
“The opening of Doss Bridge in March 2017. That project was years in the making and a lot of things delayed the beginning of the project. I am thankful and appreciative for the concerted efforts of the all involved in completion of this project in particularly to the Doss Family.”
Is there anything about 2017 you'd rather forget?
“Not necessarily on a citywide basis nor to forget them, but there have been so many national disasters this past year – hurricanes, flooding, fires, mass killings – all over the nation that I hope, as a country, we get a reprieve from those type things and most definitely not to forget the continued suffering and recovery of these places.”
What are you most looking forward to in 2018?
“Growth in business, industry and housing for our community and looking forward to possible announcements in economic development projects this year.”
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