Well, I believe that having no expectations of what to expect – that sounds like an oxymoron – is a good thing.
As mayor for our fine city of Lake Helen, I visited the capitol of Florida – Tallahassee.
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There is an interesting dynamic about getting voted for a position – when you get the election, it’s because the majority chose you. (and that’s pretty humbling!)
One thing that is imperative of anyone electing to do public service –
you need to have thick skin. I was called by someone that does not live in our city “the star gazer” because I believe in angels and perhaps how I honor my connection with God. Well them must be some mighty angels that helped me and a powerful God who watches over me; now I will need a whole legion of angels for the road ahead.
While at the state capitol I sat in on House of Representative session – it was all pro and stuff!
but that ‘Sunshine Law’ – is not something honored in that room, lots of stuff being said and ‘We the people’ have no ear in it. In contrast to the House of Representatives, the Senates’ sessions are swift and to the point.
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Now after four months I can say, this Mayor work… it’s a lot of work.
On behalf of the commission I
-Issued a couple proclamations.
-Requested Federal Department of Transportation to see about noise abatement mitigation – government is slow… still waiting on those promised trees.
-With the blessings of the commission I used my basic skills and re-did the city website.
-Addressed an audit violation issue regarding information policy and assisted in writing the policy.
-Provided a self-evaluation component to evaluating the city administrator – and it was unanimously approved.
But I must say if challenge is what helps personal growth, well as a first time mayor who was never a commissioner first nor sat on a commission – they have thrown everything at me!
Dealing with some interesting issues… one is the city is involved in a law suit, and the other is the city is annexing property that has created opposition from the neighboring city residents. Perhaps will be one of the first and last times that we will have a packed standing room only meeting… great turnout from both cities – our Lake Helen and city of Deland as well as multiple media sources – newspapers and television.
On top of working with the community and understanding the dynamic of personalities – backgrounds – beliefs – is also dealing with the mechanics of the city staff.
I truly want to believe that we all can rise to Excellence, not only for ourselves, our families, our communities – and in doing that we become the change we want to see in the world – that thought alone keeps me on my toes.
Other than that…
Enjoyed a visit with Senator Dorothy L. Hukill who is very supportive of the City of Lake Helen and our needs, she welcomed our city with a poster board for all to see and showed such Southern hospitality – a real Lady.
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That’s just some of behind the scene work, besides ‘house calls’ – phone calls – returning emails. Then there is the social component of attending civic activities and meetings that almost seem never ending. This mayoring thing is way more intricate than it appears. Chairing a meeting and understanding Robert’s Rule of Order is the ‘pomp and fair’ of the position, but the real work is being there for the people and listening to their concerns – it’s a mighty trust to bare.
Come back in a few months and see if I’m still eager to report this journey 🙂
