I have listened all day long to "what will we do without Speaker Taylor?" "Leroy will forget about us now, because he has gotten what he wants." "How will we ever get by without Speaker Taylor getting us all those State dollars for our programs?" The answer is I honestly don't know what we will do without the Speaker of the House in our corner? In reality no one knows what we will do. These are questions that we now have to answer for ourselves.
 
 Allegany County is a welfare county, plain and simple. We have been living off the State for too long and depending on them to balance our budgets in local government, provide money to lure business here, and generally keep us a float because we are too afraid to make tough decisions. We point fingers and complain about residents in our county and throughout our State who depend on welfare dollars to support their families. Popular belief is because they are to lazy to work. It is time we take a long hard look in the mirror and see what we have become. We may not like what is staring back at us. Going on a generation now, we have had a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness because our industries left and we did not adjust well. This has left us lazy, bitter, and looking for someone to blame. Bitterness, no matter how deserved or righteous is never a good thing. It is time we take control of our own future and discover our own path.
 
 Personal responsibilty is something we have lacked a long time as a community. We trust that someone else will make decisions for us, so we will not have to worry. If anything else, the results of this election will shake us from our complacency and force more people to get involved in the day-to-day decisions that impact our lives. I for one do not think this is a bad thing.
 
 This new beginning will take the combined talents of every sector. From the private businessmen and women to the county and State governments to our elected officials. There is a vast well of ability that has not been tapped in a long time, now is the time. I am unsure of where I heard this comparison, but I belief it is appropriate at this moment. "What has happened, can be compared to a parent cutting the apron strings to their kids. It hurts and their is uncertainity, but it is necessary for them to grow and prosper."
 
 The outcome of this election is still in doubt, there are several hundred absentee ballots that still need to be counted. No matter who you supported in this election, a message has been sent either way. It is time for change. Mr. Speaker, if this was your last dance, thank you very much for your service to this county and may God bless you in the future. Mr. Myers if you are our new delegate I hope you have the strength and stamina to unite a county divided. I urge those who have stood behind Mr. Taylor to unite behind Mr. Myers for the good of this county. Mr. Myers, I am sure you will read this, we WILL hold your feet to the fire and make sure you are accountable to Allegany County as well as Washington County. You have won many of us over and we casted our vote for you based on the words you spoke while campaigning, make those words a reality!
 
 The sky has not fallen, the world is not over, some day Mr. Taylor was bound to leave office. It just happened a little earlier than some would have liked. I can admit I AM SCARED, but I am excited for the future as well. It is time to sink or swim, what will it be Allegany County?
 
 I leave you with a verse that is near and dear to me. I am not sure of the author, but his/her meaning is clear, it is entitled; Courage to Change-To Seek Unknown Potential. "It takes great courage and inner strength to change from what is known and comfortable to something new and fresh. That which is unknown often contains our greatest potential. To seek our potential by visiting change is the path of true greatness. Such action brings great favor and untold blessings."
 
 Brian Miller
 11/07/02