I have to say I was pleasantly surprised to see the number of people who are willing to step up and serve on the Watonga City Council. There are folks who are happily retired willing to wade back into the fray of public life to help the city govern itself. There are folks who are busy – I mean, who isn’t – that will give up their valuable free time to assist.
There are a lot of people who already have plenty on their plate without getting into politics, yet they tossed their names into the hat because there is a need.
It was once considered the duty of Americans with an education – meaning they could read and write – to serve the Republic as leaders. Because they had been blessed, they were willing to bless others. Kind of like the best and brightest signing up for the military, except without the physical requirements.
But somewhere during the evolution of the America we see today that obligation faded. Politician became a dirty word and career politicians became a thing. What had been a duty and privilege became a way to line the pockets of friends, relatives and cronies while pumping up one’s own bank balance. Political leaders aren’t revered like they were because they left honor along the wayside.
I obtained and read all the letters of interest the city received. They show a depth of skill and talent you don’t expect to find in a small town.
But the underlying beauty of these letters is that each and every one of them is written by someone who wants to make the town better. For the most part, they want to serve just to serve. God bless them.
While we are at it, let’s toss a blessing onto the folks who get together every year and create the Cheese Festival.
There are so many moving parts that putting this thing together is enough to drive anyone to the dizzy limits. But there is a dedicated cadre of volunteers who fill committees, spend a lot of time and plenty of their own money to make the magic happen. They come back year after year trying to make this year the best year ever. Thank you and congratulations, because this could be the best year yet.
Closed circuit to those who would gossip about people in the public eye who are having private problems. Just because someone has a high-profile job or relationship doesn’t mean their private life is open to public conjecture.
Gossip doesn’t help anything and does a lot of harm. Mind your own business and keep your mouth closed. The only people who have the right to comment are those who are personally involved. We’re better than a bunch of silly gossipmongers. Have some dignity, pride and selfrespect. We may not all become members of city council but we can all project the image of our town that we want to see.