Probate Judge Wes Allen told the congregation gathered for the Pike County Republican Women luncheon that government officials need to have strategic planning and thinking about the future.

Allen was the guest speaker at the luncheon, and went over the accomplishments of the probate office during his term as well as the future of the office.

“Every day when my feet hit the ground I am working to help the roughly 32,500 citizens of Pike County,” said Allen.

“We not only want to help them now, but also must keep in mind how decisions effect future generations five, 10, 15 or 20 years down the road.”

Allen said that since he was appointed by former Gov. Bob Riley, the office has been able to develop ways to smooth out issues of the past.

The creations of a website, opening of a satellite office in Brundidge and the beginning of “back scan” project for records and documents were all listed by Allen as great accomplishments by the staff.

“The nine great ladies that work in the office at the courthouse are just wonderful,” said Allen.

“Some of the things we have taken on in the past few years have put more work on them and myself, but I promise you, we don’t mind the work.”

Allen, a former football player at the University of Alabama, also challenged all elected officials, including himself, to strive to get better every day.

“We want our sports teams, like the high schools, rec league and Upward team and colleges, to be champions every day,” said Allen. “We should also ask our elected officials to do the same.”

During his address, Allen touched on some of the future things he wanted to accomplish while in office. Among them were allowing online access to the “back scan” files and determining a way to have online tag renewals.

Allen said the office was close to developing a system for online renewals prior to the immigration law late last year.

“We are looking at what other places have done, and what works,” Allen said. “We wanted to let the latest rounds play out before making a decision on what to do.”