Clay Commissioner Proud Of 25 Years Service, Growth In County

Clay County Commissioner Winton Young is focused on the future even while celebrating 25 years on the board.

Young said it has been an honor to serve the fourth district since 1998. He said he has two major goals before he leaves office.

“Hopefully in the near future we can get a jail, and we should need some type of medical facility, a hospital or just a quick band aid place, anything,” Young said. “We need some type of medical facility here in Clay County.”

Young said the frustrations of government does not stop him from enjoying the opportunity to get to serve his community.

“I enjoy it,” Young said. “I’ve enjoyed meeting so many people in the district. We’ve had many people to move in from other areas. I’ve enjoyed going out and explaining what’s going on in Clay County, and why the taxes are so low in Clay County.”

Young said over his 25 years on the board there are several things he is proud of including doubling the size of the K-8 school in Celina and expanding the chamber of commerce building.

“The jewel of everything I’ve been a small part of is when we built on to the, well didn’t build on, we built a new high school and that was badly needed,” Young said. “That’s some of the biggest accomplishments I’ve been a small part of, and I couldn’t of done it without all the other commissioners and county mayors, but I’m proud to be a small part of that.”

He said he will gladly celebrate 30 years as a commissioner but that will be up to voters.

“I wish more people took an interest in county government,” Young said. “I wish more people came to our meetings. I wish people understood we can’t do something to please all the people all the time. I wish we could, but we have to make some sacrifices, and sometimes it may not be in your favor, but we try to fair and honest.”

Bids for Clay County’s new jail recently came in at $11 million over budget, sending the Commissioners back to the drawing board on how to fund the jail. Young said every time the commission work on the medical facility or jail some type of problem comes up. He said that can be part of the frustration of serving.

Young recognized by the commission for his years of leadership.