Arthur Perry, Manager of the County Road Department said farewell to the board after nearly 31 years on the job. On Monday, March 18 at the Board of Supervisors’ meeting long-time employee, and friend to several of the board members came before the board to deliver his final report. District One Supervisor and Vice-President of the Board Lee Gordon said Perry was always quick to respond, and “sometimes we forget what goes on out there and we appreciated everything you’ve done.” Perry Thanked Gordon and told the board he wanted to report to the board on the last bridge he’d ever build, on Curry Rd. and he just wanted the board to know what the Road Department has been up to. District Five Supervisor Jerry Redmond, Sr. said speaking of bridges, he had one in his district that needed repairs. Gordon said to Redmond, “Come on Jerry, this is his last report don’t be putting more work on him just tell him you appreciate him.” District Three Supervisor and President of the Board Carl McGee said to Perry that it has been interesting and a blast. “I’ve seen you when no one else was around, middle of the night or whatever. But the one thing I can say is anytime we had trouble, you always helped us out,” McGee said, “ I’m going to miss you, and we’ll talk.” Perry said he’s been through different boards of supervisors, and this was the best one.
“They always told me, you’ve got to get your three licks on the table to get anything done, but five would be better,” Perry said, “I do appreciate what the county has done for me, I got my girls out of college, and they’re doing good, and this job did that.” He said he’d been a dedicated employee because of how much he appreciated the county and came to work every day as a result, he again thanked the board and turned to move away from the podium to applause from the board. District Four Supervisor Mala Brooks said she hadn’t had a chance to speak with Perry, so Perry turned back. Brooks told Perry that when she first became a supervisor he helped her immensely. “I didn’t know anything about roads and Mr. Perry helped me figure out what could, and couldn’t be done,” Brooks said, “I’m still going to call you when I need to know something.” Perry said that it was fine for Brooks to call, and extended that invitation to any member of the board who needed him for anything. District Two Supervisor Tommy L. Benson, III bestowed many blessings on Perry, and said, “May God keep you, and you enjoy your retirement, amen.”
