Published On: Sat, Apr 6th, 2019

Read Like a Commissioner!

By: Robert S Weinroth

Did you know that April is National County Government Month?

It is an opportunity to highlight the role County Government plays to protect and enrich the lives of our residents.

The seven member Board of County Commissioners serves as the legislative and policy-setting body for county government; enacts countywide laws and authorizes programs and all expenditures of county funds. Serving the Board is the County Administrator who is charged with executive powers to implement the policies and procedures set forth by the Commissioners.

With April 7-13 being recognized as National Library Week, we believe there is no better way to get know someone than through the books they read. So the Commissioners and County Administrator Verdenia Baker were asked to share their favorites.

Whether it is the children’s classic, “Good Night, Moon,” or a deep dive into Florida history with “The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida, and the Politics of Paradise”- borrow one of their recommendations and you, too, can READ LIKE A COMMISSIONER or COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR.

To see what your commissioners are reading, go to: www.pbclibrary.org/read-commissioner

Here’s my list:

1. Alexander Hamilton by: Ron Chernow

The renowned author of “Titan,” whom the “New York Times” has called “as elegant an architect of monumental histories as we’ve seen in decades,” vividly recreates the whole sweep of Alexander Hamilton’s turbulent life.

2. Called to Rise: A Life in Faithful Service to the Community That Made Me by: David Brown

The Dallas police chief who inspired a nation with his response to the killing of five of his officers shares his personal story and his faith in America’s potential to unite communities through a dedication to transparency and trust.

3. The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels The Soul of America: by: Jon Meacham

NY Times #1 Bestseller – Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham helps us understand the present moment in American politics and life by looking back at critical times in our history when hope overcame division and fear.

4. Affairs of State: The Untold History of Presidential Love, Sex, and Scandal, 1789-1900 by: Lynn University Prof Robert Watson

In recent years, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Eliot Spitzer, John Edwards, Newt Gingrich, Herman Cain, and countless other politicians have made headlines for their sexual scandals. But such stories are not new. Indeed, there is a long history of misbehavior in politics, including in the nation’s highest office.

5. The Hope by: Herman Wouk

In the tradition of Wouk’s world-famous bestsellers The Winds of War and War and Remembrance comes a sweeping epic that brings to life the war-torn history of Israel. Through the lives of three fictional military families, Wouk takes readers inside the wars and conflicts that have defined Israel’s existence.

Reading is an important skill and a way to learn about new things or just relax. Read a book for enjoyment and you’ll be amazed how quickly the time passes. Read aloud to a child or someone who may find it difficult to read on their own. Studies have repeatedly demonstrated children who are not reading at grade level when they are in third grade will have an increasingly difficult keeping up in school and the ripples of the reading deficiency will shadow them for the rest of their lives!

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