To the Editor:

Working hard for a better tomorrow has brought national attention and recognition to Pike County.

These awards are the most prestigious a county government can receive in America.

The National Association of Counties, which provides services to 3,068 counties across the nation, has given five achievement awards to Pike County in recognition of innovative county government programs. We can all be proud of these programs, which have been recognized and showcased.

It will truly be a rewarding day for the people in county government — and all Pike Countians — when I accept these awards. I said when we began this journey that if we are diligent, work together, set goals and allow our dreams to become reality and trust God, Pike Coun-tians here today and generations to follow will be secure.

Like many of you, we seen Pike County at the crossroads. Many were asking, “Where are we now?”, “Where are we going and how do we get there?” We are are ready to embrace changes and move toward economic transformation that will generate hope and an atmosphere of opportunity.

We began to develop Pike County around our God-given natural resour-ces – coal and natural gas – working in unison to make our quality of life even better while creating a government with a heart.

We are now known as “America’s Energy Capi-tal.”

Pike Countians also have a government that cares about all God’s children. Working together, we have eased pain and brought forth hope for tomorrow. We have shown admiration for our courageous veterans, active soldiers, sailors, airmen, ma-rines and coast guard who are keeping us free from terrorism.

The programs for which Pike County received the National Association of Counties’ Achievement A-wards are: Remote Area Medical, Veterans Hall of Honor, Pike County Energy Strategy, Pike County Human Resources Intera-gency Coalition and the Pike County Jail Farm.

Hard work pays off and dreams do come true. So many have been involved – including hundreds of volunteers – in Pike County’s programs and projects. We are moving forward and we now have the most progressive city and county government in the country. We are the only county in Kentucky that received any 2009 National Association of Counties Achievement Awards.

Pike County’s future is bright. We have hope for our future even in these tough economic times. Leadership is a must, cooperation is a given. I love Pike County and its people. The next step is up to us.

“Put on your boots and get back to work.”

— Ronald Reagan