In their last meeting for 2015 the Caroline County Board of Supervisors was a mutual admiration society. With two long-time members leaving, the emphasis was on accomplishments the Board has made over the years. While acknowledging that there had been many differences in the past, members chose to focus on their willingness to compromise and work together.
Vice Chairman of the Board, Supervisor Jeffery M. Sili presented plaques recounting their years of service to departing Supervisors Wayne A. Acors of the Madison District and Calvin B. Taylor, Jr. of the Port Royal District.
Supervisor Floyd W. Thomas also presented each of them with a plaque that included a mounted gavel, joshing that he would now be the senior member of the Board.
Chairman Calvin B. Taylor, Jr. told the Progress, “I have served 20 years with a number of supervisors and we haven’t always agreed, but once the vote has been taken we always move on. And whenever we meet on the street we always talk. I feel like we can always have a conversation, because it is about a majority, not just one.”
Among the Board’s achievements, Taylor is most proud of its vigilance, always keeping an eye on expansion in the county. “We have been able to direct the development of Caroline in a way that did not destroy its rural character,” he said. “In the areas where development did take place, we supplied infrastructure and provided services.”
Supervisor Wayne Acors told the Progress, “I am honored that the people of the Madison District elected me seven times. In 28 years we’ve been successful in accomplishing a lot for the district. There are even some people who thought I worked too hard for the Madison District. But sometimes you have to spend more money in the district that will bring back the most money to the county. When I started, there was not even a stoplight in Ladysmith.”
Like Taylor, Acors said that not seeing eye-to-eye on issues can bring about healthy discussion and should not be a stumbling block. “We’ve always set disagreements aside and moved on to the next issue. You don’t go back to live them again.”
“I’m fine with the decision,” Acors said, “and ready to move on with the next chapter of my life.”
Both men emphasized the pride they felt for their roles in improving Caroline schools.
Taylor said that he intends to use his 33 years of experience as an educator and public school administrator to continue serving as an educational consultant, and elsewhere, as needed.
By Kenneth Snow
CP Correspondent
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