Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey talks about Read 20 often, like a proud parent.
The program encourages adults to read with a child for 20 minutes a day. It has been a source of pride for Ramsey, a calling card that underscores an important component of job creation: an educated, trainable work force.
The program started in 2006, but its future is uncertain. The Hamilton County Commission will choose a new mayor to take over in January when Ramsey joins the administration of Gov.-elect Bill Haslam. The new mayor might have new ideas about which programs are the best use of taxpayer money.
“The premise is good,” Ramsey said. “The process is good, and it’s about getting kids started appreciating reading at an early age. I often say in speeches it’s fun to read to a child. But then the real reward comes when they can read to you.”
Shawn Kurrelmeier-Lee, the program’s chief reading officer, said part of working for county government is that nothing is certain. She said the program is a private-public partnership, with the county covering the overhead and salaries. In 2010, the county budgeted about $277,000 for the program, and $188,000 of that went to salaries.