Lincoln County lost a dedicated and faithful servant Saturday.District One Supervisor Cliff Givens will be deeply missed, for itwas his guiding hand over the past 20 years that helped set thestage for the entire county to grow and prosper.

Cliff Givens understood the importance of unity to success. Heused that vision to help build consensus not only among the othersupervisor districts but also among the city and county government.It was his consensus building between the city, the county and theLincoln County Industrial Development Foundation that wasinstrumental in attracting the Wal-Mart Distribution Center to thearea in 1985.

It was his dedication and determination that accomplished whatothers said was impossible — the funding and construction of theindustrial park overpass bridge that bears his name. While othersgave up, he kept plugging and plugging until the necessary fundingwas received.

His leadership helped build the economic base that provides jobsfor many Lincoln County residents.

While he understood the importance of good jobs to the area, healso understood the importance of strong community relations. Itwas no accident that he served six terms in a black majoritydistrict, for he understood the importance of dealing with peoplewithout regard to race or color. He worked unselfishly for everyoneand he understood the importance of being fair and doing what wasright.

Cliff Givens was a community leader it the greatest sense of theword as he was dedicated to helping his fellow man; givingunselfishly of his time for the single purpose of making thecommunity he loved a better place for everyone.