Public Service

My readers know I trust government. Oh, some portions of government I have healthy doubts about. Certainly not all. In fact, so much of what we take for granted is routine operation of government units.

Think about it. Local public schools are government units; they are paid for by all of us through taxes, and those are collected by government laws and regulations. Same for fire departments, police departments, and don’t forget park districts and libraries. In fact, your municipal government provides many services you don’t think of being of government – water, sewer, streets, stormwater management, emergency disaster response, and a whole lot more.

I worked on a state university campus for nearly 18 years. The dedication, original thinking, research, teaching, invention and sheer motivation of masses of students, was something to behold. We weren’t controlling lives, governing them other than maintaining order so the great work could continue. No, we were doing our jobs. This was perhaps the most rewarding period of my working life.

I got involved with volunteer projects and organizations near my home. The Chamber of Commerce was one such organization. We struggled to help all local businesses strengthen their operations and by extension create a vital, successful marketplace in our hometown. At the same time, I was active on my homeowner’s association, was elected to the board and we accomplished a lot of good things for the homeowners.

That experience created associations with the city government and next thing I knew I was elected to city council. The four years I spent there was eye opening. What some people take as bureaucratic waste I saw as inventive, professional administration of the public’s work. We tackled complex issues all within full sight of the taxpayers. And those taxpayers had keen eyesight! The many different points of view were constantly pressed on us, but we made our decisions for the best of most people with a long view toward the future. Governing for today requires planning for the future.  

Next was the park district and helping it build for a long term, sustainable future in supporting development of healthy bodies and community. I served 7 years on that board before moving out of town for housing suited to our physical needs.

These experiences were service oriented. Not political. Yes, I was elected to serve on these boards and organizations. All were service oriented. None were political, financial or ego rewarding. They were demanding, challenging and worthwhile endeavors, however. And each position taught me much about our American democracy.

Are their politicians who are careerists? Yes. Are their politicians who are self-serving and get wealthy from their work? Decidedly yes. Are all elected officials like that? Hell no. Most are dedicated to doing the best for their communities and take into account the needs of every citizen. That’s how communities become healthy and sustainable.

All of this work helped me see the entire community as a collaborative whole. Soon after a few of us started the local newspaper and its success was directly related to understanding how all the parts of a community work together and function holistically. Very logical. Very understandable.

Today news articles, political campaigns, Facebook, Twitter and all the other social media outlets pour a steady stream of vitriol and distrust of government. Broadsides batter away at the purpose and value of government. Good people are doubted and castigated. Honest people are portrayed as scoundrels and monsters.

Reality is much different. If you doubt that, get involved. Volunteer for a board or commission. Become a part of your government for a while to see for yourself. Consider running for public office so you can see for yourself up close and personal what government is really like and how hard people work to make the best quality life possible for the community.

Now that’s an education. It doesn’t come with a diploma. It comes with satisfaction knowing a job well done was the result of much effort. By a lot of people working together.

October 12, 2020