Lake County residents are fortunate

Another viewpoint is a column The News-Herald makes available so all sides of an issue may be aired. Jerry Cirino is a Lake County commissioner and a resident of Kirtland.

There has been a lot in the national news showcasing local leadership and the decisions they make on a variety of issues. In the last month we have witnessed the mayor and council of Minneapolis allowing the destruction of public and private property and having law enforcement “stand down” instead of protecting the public as they have sworn to do. Now, they are defunding the police and further endangering the public. The same local leadership behaviors can be seen in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta and many other cities.

In New York, protesters were encouraged to come out in large numbers (without distancing) and to feel free to loot and destroy private property, all with the blessing of the mayor and council.

In Washington, D.C., a church was burned and statues were toppled with the blessing of the mayor and council. In Seattle, even after so many businesses were destroyed, city council just passed a new tax on employment which will further hurt businesses and probably cause many to leave the area.

So many of these local leaders have taken the “politically correct” positions on many issues instead of exercising real leadership. For example, Minneapolis Council decided to defund the police by 50% and never even consulted with the police chief to understand the ramifications to their actions. These leaders need to be reminded that their first responsibility is to protect their communities and make sure that citizens are safe. That includes protecting the many businesses who have already suffered under COVID shutdowns. These businesses provide vital services to these communities and employ workers who can then provide for their families.

Regardless of political party affiliation, voters need to hold their officials accountable to make good decisions for the community and not to simply look to advance their own political careers.

This lack of leadership and accountability will ruin this country if it doesn’t change soon. They should be focusing on how they can improve the lives of their constituents and not waste time trying to rewrite history to satisfy their quest of political correctness.

As a commissioner for almost four years now, I am proud to say that I have gotten to know our mayors, city managers, councils, trustees, law enforcement and judges throughout the county. I believe that our residents are indeed fortunate to have such great officials, (Democrats, Republicans and non-partisans) who are willing to serve their community with integrity and who honor the oaths of office they have taken. At every level of government, our community is served by dedicated people (who might often disagree) who truly want the best for our great Lake County community.

So much of local leadership around the country is shameful and these people need to be sent packing. In Lake County, I believe we have local leadership that we can all be proud of. As I approach the conclusion of my term as commissioner, I am proud to have served with so many great mayors, councils, trustees, law enforcement and judges.

Our residents are indeed fortunate.

Jerry Cirino