The Kindness of Strangers

What compels a person to contribute financially to the campaign of a virtually unknown candidate for public office? If we eliminate friends and relatives, neighbors, co-workers, and anyone else with prior ties to the candidate, I think that it is safe to say that all that remains as explanation is the kindness of strangers.

There is a strong sense of obligation that comes with accepting such a gift, for a gift it truly is. The gift is trust and good faith, not just money, and it obligates the recipient to be a better person. Being a better person seems at odds with running for public office, so the gift is really a reminder that the responsibilities of public office demand continuous improvement, both personally and professionally. The standards of such a gift are very high. Thank goodness for the kindness of strangers.

Who Needs a Plan?

When I go grocery shopping, I take a list. If I do not take a list, I waste a lot of time wandering the grocery aisles in search of inspiration, and arrive home with groceries that bear no resemblance to the items that I truly need. Similarly, when I go on vacation, I go with a plan. I research areas of interest ahead of time, and make advance lodging and travel reservations. I do not choose to waste my family's precious free time by hoping for available hotels and activities whenever I arrive at my destination. I freely admit it...I am a more efficient and productive person when I have a plan.

Having a plan for our community here in Whitewater Township allows us to be more efficient and productive in our decisions, too. An existing plan focuses the Township Board in achieving the joint goals of the community. Without a plan, each decision made by the Board takes more and more time to make, and, perhaps, even discourages future decision-making. Ineffective decision-making is costly and creates ill will. Clearly, any form of government benefits enormously from a well-made plan.