Leadership.
Leaders are not born, but rather made from the heated pot of learning. To actually become a leader, one must adsorb years of often difficult life lessons, the willingness to formally study the subject, and the insight to see life's lessons as an opportunity to grow spiritually and mentally. A smooth blend of book work and street smarts is required for success in this endeavor. A leader has to truly care for his people and communicate to them in a manner that can be easily understood. A leader must believe and practice what he/she is trying to implement. He/she must walk the talk at all times. Impartial strict fairness must be followed. Time must be created in one's life to sift through the data to fine tune the path. All voices must be actively listened to in order to find the best result for the most people. The above is the leadership template that I have followed as an Evansville City Councilor At-Large.
Accountability.
Accountability is defined in Webster's dictionary as liable to be called to account, or answerable. I have been accountable to the people of Evansville over the past term office. What do I actually mean by that statement... or is it just another political platitude? By developing a direct relationship with each city department head, I have been able to know their present status. When analyzing a current problem, I have repeatedly reviewed each of the studies until I comprehended it, tried to get my own additional, direct data, and been forthright as to what my conclusions were. On every difficult vote, I have explained at the time why I have voted the way I have so as to make my logic transparent and in the city council's minutes. You, the People, should know the logic behind my final opinion so that you can understand and hold me accountable. The above is my concept of accountability. What is yours?
Vision.
Vision is the ability to see and shape the future if only for a single step. It is the hopeful wistfulness for a better life for all those involved. It is natural for all of us to fear change even if the present is less than acceptable. The unknown frightens us all. Either you ride change or change rides you! Yet doing nothing is a choice that leads to mediocrity and stagnation. Vision has allowed us to find the better way. Without it, our lives become stale. Travel, study, life long continuing education, and the ability to see the fit in our lives make vision possible. I have used the above principles.
The vision for Evansville and America has been through a dark tunnel for greater than two years. The recession took its toll on big and little industries with a rise of unemployment of 9-10%. All of us were not sure if a real depression would fall upon us. The US economy did bend, but it did not break. Slowly, we have begun to recover. The Dow-Jones average has risen through the 12,000 barrier. Surviving corporations have held back cash reserves, which are full; they have been hiring temporary workers, a precursor to full time hiring. The number of business initial public offerings has returned; they usually stimulate new jobs. I believe we are on the mend, and our economy will continue to improve. We must just be careful for the next one to two years to not get overextended financially again. Our local government must avoid spending for big-ticket items until the tax revenue recovers.