We are electing a mayor, not a community organizer

YOUR THOUGHTS

TO THE EDITOR:

After reading Anna Huffman’s editorial (in last week’s Independent), as a citizen interested in the race, I felt compelled to comment.

First, she is certainly entitled to her opinion, like the rest of us. And I find myself in agreement with some of her thoughts, such as having a progressive town, and to not become stagnate, or worse, revert backwards, as one candidate has suggested. And it is good advice to get to know the candidate as best you can through some process of examination.

Furthermore, electing a candidate that promotes growth and a better economic climate seems to be sound logic. And, I too would say that Mayor (Steve) Cielinski has contributed to the progress of Glenrock and accomplished some very good things, including leaving a strong budget to his successor. However, I don’t believe this election is a referendum on the former mayor, but rather on the overall most effective candidate who can marshal all the resources of the town, with a vision that the majority of the citizenry can get behind and support.

While having someone who is “involved in the community” is commendable, we are not electing a “community organizer.” We have one at the helm of our country, and it has had disastrous consequences. No, what we need is someone who has the appropriately aggressive management style, with both ceremonial and administrative skills to serve as spokesman for Glenrock, both in town and outside the community.

It will take more than someone who understands a town policy or specific issue, though both are important, but with a big picture view of what it takes to work effectively and corroboratively with the town council, citizens, groups, businesses and a broad array of people that are represented in town, and out-of-town. Someone who can, and has made tough decisions, as the one who is overall responsible for the leadership of the town, and knows how to strengthen the town’s progress and ensure its sustainability. Having the future in mind is critical, but knowing how to get us there takes more than just talk, but a single strategy of how to do it, with a background that has done it before.

It must be someone who also wants to make changes if needed, with a strategy and not an agenda to “just carry on the good work that our council and mayor have done.” While it is necessary to work in a collaborative manner with the council, the Mayor must also be willing to challenge both the council, employees and citizenry to think and act at times that are “unconventional” to move the town along a path of progress. We do need good “detail” people who closely examine the tactics of how we get there, but the mayor must have the flair and experience to plan, direct, organize, control and staff the organization in a manner that delivers the most effective and efficient services to the citizens of Glenrock.

The mayor must be an effective listener, who early on will assess and analyze the organization, while simultaneously sensing the direction the organization must take to keep in perspective who is being served. It will mean a close look at policies, procedures, processes, systems and performance of those that deliver those services. It is no time for a novice, or a “community coordinator” but rather an effective, impartial leader who will not lose sight of being responsive to the people – even though elected with trust, to keep his pulse on the sense and direction of Glenrock.

And lastly, knowing a candidate and liking them is a nice sentiment. There are many people I know and like that I wouldn’t entrust with the vital job of mayor. Likability falls into the equation, but not at the top. We need a proven, effective leader/manager who can hit the ground running, and knows the direction to keep running.

Mike Pyatt has my vote and has the proven background and leadership to make Glenrock the town we all will be proud of, and want to live in with fairness to all citizens. I urge you to get out and vote in the primary on Aug. 17.

Heather Currier,
Glenrock Senior Citizen

This is part of the July 29, 2010 online edition of The Glenrock Independent.

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