Evaluate mayoral candidates on their ability to lead and on their personal character
By
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To the editor:
I am grateful for the opportunity to be writing to you.
I must thank The Highland County Press for having confidence in me to write a meaningful piece and for believing its readers may value what I have to say.
When first asked to write an opinion piece, I considered writing about Ohio’s new 15th Congressional District and how it disadvantages Highland County. However, I believe there is another issue at hand more important to the citizens of Hillsboro at this time.
Who should be the next man to possess the keys to the city, and why?
Although I do not live in the city limits, I feel qualified to opine on this topic. I grew up in Hillsboro, I went to school in Hillsboro, my family owns businesses in Hillsboro, and I have been exposed to city government in this town my entire life as few my age have been. My family has lived, worked, and died in this town. I have a sincere interest in this city and want it to thrive. For Hillsboro to make advances in the coming years, a particular type of person is required.
First and foremost, the next mayor must be an honest man: Honest in thought and honest in word.
An elected official with honest thoughts and motives will serve the people, not himself. A constant focus on the people’s business rather than on personal career advancement will profit the community.
Honest thoughts lead to honest words. I understand that as a candidate it’s easy to talk big and have big ideas.
It’s difficult for any person to understand the true reality of any office while only a candidate. However, honest words explaining honest motives are not deceptive campaign rhetoric used to stir emotion and muster superficial enthusiasm.
Knowledge of how the city works (various departments, how to make a responsible budget, obligations of the separate branches of government, citizen-appointed commissions) is a required feature of any serious candidate. Although the scope and intricacies of a city government the size of Hillsboro are not “rocket science,” they are more complex than one might think.
A few responsibilities of the mayor are to negotiate union contracts, attend council and committee meetings, protect and promote the local economy, and ensure public services and general continuity of the city.
Hillsboro is much more than the uptown square. Difficult economic times make it even more important that the next mayor know exactly how to run all aspects of the city to maximize the city’s potential. In the middle of this storm, Hillsboro needs someone at the helm with a steady hand, someone with experience.
The next mayor of Hillsboro, and any elected official for that matter, must have good moral character. If you do not agree, just ask our Founding Fathers.
Someone running for public office is asking for the trust and confidence of the people. Therefore, the people must examine the words and deeds of each candidate to make a judgment on the character and guiding principles of each candidate. A candidate must have self-control, must not engage in illegal activity, and must not be willing to abuse the power that comes with elected office.
For example, it is completely irresponsible for the mayor to use his authority as a revenge device against those with whom he has a personal vendetta. Those who seek to hold public office forfeit a portion of the privacy enjoyed by you and me. The people have a right to know about a candidate’s past and current associations.
I strongly encourage all citizens to consider the words and behavior of the two mayoral candidates to make this important judgment: talk to them personally, research them on the Internet, particularly YouTube, and consider the events that have transpired during this campaign.
Folks, there is a greater good than power and popularity. There is a greater good than bragging rights for the next four years. There is a greater good than political favors. There is a greater good than political party!
Evaluate the two mayoral candidates on their ability to lead this city and on their personal character. I have, and I’m not fooled.
Sincerely,
Alex Butler
Hillsboro[[In-content Ad]]
I am grateful for the opportunity to be writing to you.
I must thank The Highland County Press for having confidence in me to write a meaningful piece and for believing its readers may value what I have to say.
When first asked to write an opinion piece, I considered writing about Ohio’s new 15th Congressional District and how it disadvantages Highland County. However, I believe there is another issue at hand more important to the citizens of Hillsboro at this time.
Who should be the next man to possess the keys to the city, and why?
Although I do not live in the city limits, I feel qualified to opine on this topic. I grew up in Hillsboro, I went to school in Hillsboro, my family owns businesses in Hillsboro, and I have been exposed to city government in this town my entire life as few my age have been. My family has lived, worked, and died in this town. I have a sincere interest in this city and want it to thrive. For Hillsboro to make advances in the coming years, a particular type of person is required.
First and foremost, the next mayor must be an honest man: Honest in thought and honest in word.
An elected official with honest thoughts and motives will serve the people, not himself. A constant focus on the people’s business rather than on personal career advancement will profit the community.
Honest thoughts lead to honest words. I understand that as a candidate it’s easy to talk big and have big ideas.
It’s difficult for any person to understand the true reality of any office while only a candidate. However, honest words explaining honest motives are not deceptive campaign rhetoric used to stir emotion and muster superficial enthusiasm.
Knowledge of how the city works (various departments, how to make a responsible budget, obligations of the separate branches of government, citizen-appointed commissions) is a required feature of any serious candidate. Although the scope and intricacies of a city government the size of Hillsboro are not “rocket science,” they are more complex than one might think.
A few responsibilities of the mayor are to negotiate union contracts, attend council and committee meetings, protect and promote the local economy, and ensure public services and general continuity of the city.
Hillsboro is much more than the uptown square. Difficult economic times make it even more important that the next mayor know exactly how to run all aspects of the city to maximize the city’s potential. In the middle of this storm, Hillsboro needs someone at the helm with a steady hand, someone with experience.
The next mayor of Hillsboro, and any elected official for that matter, must have good moral character. If you do not agree, just ask our Founding Fathers.
Someone running for public office is asking for the trust and confidence of the people. Therefore, the people must examine the words and deeds of each candidate to make a judgment on the character and guiding principles of each candidate. A candidate must have self-control, must not engage in illegal activity, and must not be willing to abuse the power that comes with elected office.
For example, it is completely irresponsible for the mayor to use his authority as a revenge device against those with whom he has a personal vendetta. Those who seek to hold public office forfeit a portion of the privacy enjoyed by you and me. The people have a right to know about a candidate’s past and current associations.
I strongly encourage all citizens to consider the words and behavior of the two mayoral candidates to make this important judgment: talk to them personally, research them on the Internet, particularly YouTube, and consider the events that have transpired during this campaign.
Folks, there is a greater good than power and popularity. There is a greater good than bragging rights for the next four years. There is a greater good than political favors. There is a greater good than political party!
Evaluate the two mayoral candidates on their ability to lead this city and on their personal character. I have, and I’m not fooled.
Sincerely,
Alex Butler
Hillsboro[[In-content Ad]]