President’s Report

First and foremost I want to thank each and every one of you who welcomed me into your towns and lives during the district meetings. I met so many strong and talented people with open hearts who made me feel that each district has its own unique qualities and pride in their community. Your stories and worth of each city/town were openly presented and appreciated by everyone attending. You made my dreams of being your president and hearing your stories way beyond my best expectations. It is a treasure I will carry throughout the rest of my years. I humbly thank you, the strength of this organization, and now my friends. (I will try to get your comments about your town together for one of the magazines in the near future.)

Speaking of strength, we just finished our municipal election last night. It takes strength all around, for the citizens running and the worker bees who make it happen.

Always it astonishes me the strength it takes to put yourself out there, to run for an office, knowing you may be kicked down. You should be very proud of yourself –win or lose – you tried! On the worker bee side, it takes strength to put yourself out there to make sure the election is as impartial and true to the laws that dictate it as possible. It is the essence of our democracy and you do not want to screw it up!

The whole election process is fun and nerve racking for all involved. It takes and pulls you every which way, but your strength and focus must remain in place. Change is scary and with each election changes come. We must remain open to these changes and try to move our city/town forward to grow with these changes. Adversity abounds, but your strength will carry you through and make your part of the world a better place to be.

You as the public servant must take the path that leads to the good of your community and the growth of the citizens within. I admire your strength of character and drive to do what is best. Thank all of you for being an integral part of democracy.

Tell next month use your STRENGTH key wisely!

Respectfully, Meri Jo Anderson President

Footnote* I must admit that this is all big talk and I truly hope I could have applied it if the guy who disliked me (hard to believe, huh?) and dislikes laws (at least ours) had won the Mayor’s spot. I do know, and have lived it, that you have to stay the course of good government and trust that the good citizens will come through in the end. That is democracy!