Dear editor:
Are we doing the right things right? What an eternal question.
This past week I had the opportunity to interface with our water department. The short version is, I have two water meters and needed one removed ... one not in use anymore.
My request to the personnel at the water department was met with enthusiasm; the meter would be removed that day. I was truly amazed and quite pleased; what service. However, when the tech arrived to complete his task, he shut off the wrong meter and placed a locking device to avoid any future tampering ... good idea, right? Except he did it to the wrong meter, and I now had no water to my house. Several hours and phone calls later, the tech came back to remedy the situation. Of course, all were sorry and apologetic. Sadly, the cliché "I'm sorry," is so overused in the public/private sector that it carries with it no remorse. "Here's a discount on you next purchases ... next." And, of course, it carries with it no consequences; he said: "I'm sorry."
On a personal note, in my business career, I had the opportunity, with the help of many others, to attain a position where thousands of employees indirectly reported to me. I learned early on that you only get one chance to do the right thing, right. People/employees don't forget, even though they may not be able to do anything about it at that time.
Again, whether you are in public or private service, there are no excuses for doing the wrong thing. This was never more evident than in our last presidential/congressional elections. When collectively the country had had enough of the wrong things being continuously done under the premise of "I'm sorry" or just plain lying ... next!
It doesn't matter what level or station your at in the public/private sector, if your mission is to, just go along to get along. Instead of striving for excellence, our city, county, state and country are truly in jeopardy. Especially when doing it right the first time may only bring you peace of mind. But be assured, if you're worthy, the attaboy's, praise, promotions, etc. do come.
Paul Blom
Hot Springs
Editorial on 03/20/2018