Advice to our new leaders

There will be some new faces in national, state and local government next year. Election season is always an exciting time and brings with it lots of intrigue and suspense. It is interesting to hear the different ideas and approaches to the problems facing our community.

It is after the election that things begin to settle down and folks start to determine their expectations for the new government. I think most people give the newly elected officials the benefit of the doubt and look to the future with hope and enthusiasm.

It falls to the government leaders to put their ideas into practice and to begin to put their stamp on our nation, state or community. This is a tough responsibility and one that should not be approached without significant thought and consideration.

There are many challenges and opportunities facing our new and returning officials. We look to our leaders to steer our community in the right direction not only for us but also for our children. We trust that each of them is prepared and competent to handle the task that lay ahead. It will not be easy but it will definitely be worth it, if they succeed.

Now is the time that the campaign promises should start to take shape and become reality. Having a "vision" is great but we need leaders who make that "vision" a concrete reality.

My advice to our new leaders is to think outside the box, look for new ways of doing things. Just because we have done it this way for years doesn't mean there isn't a better way of doing things. Be open to suggestions from everyone. The best ideas come from the unlikeliest places sometimes.

Our potential is unlimited and exciting. Our leaders should embrace that potential in full and run with it. Try new things, be different. You must have open minds and look for change. The one constant in life is change; if you don't change you die.

Please don't fall into the trap of maintaining the status quo. You were elected because the people saw potential in you to do great things. Don't let the people down. Be unique, be memorable and always strive to make things better.

This brings to mind a time when I was eleven and told my dad I could chop down a large tree in our back yard using only a small hatchet. After about an hour I realized the job was bigger than I had thought. I went to my dad and said I didn't think I could do what I had said I was going to do. My dad said, "You wanted the job. You got the job. I expect you to do the job." After much effort I completed the task.

I think we have the same expectations of our government leaders. You wanted the job and we gave you the job, now do the job. Don't do what is right for you or for your "buddies". Do what is right, period.

"Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity." W. Clement Stone

I wish you all success and remember we are counting on you.