Wall: Bloom
When I signed the forms to run for Mayor of Pea Ridge, it was not without a measure of trepidation. I didn’t want people to think I was running against Jackie, their friend, their neighbor and long-time leader.
My goal was to inspire a new vision, a different path and build a foundation of understanding. Sometimes when the same people do the same things for a long time, they forget to be enthusiastic and creative.
One reason there are term limits in public office is to make sure that fresh ideas are always sprouting up and ready to be harvested. The passing of the torch doesn’t have to be a negative thing, I saw this race as an opportunity to introduce new ideas to the community. I hoped to begin a vision building experience which would
serve to unify us and solidify the collective resolve to emerge from this experience enthused and energized. I invited you, the voters, to take a step back, consider where we are today and think of where you’d really like to be in five years.
Do you see a clear path? Are the goals concrete or cloud-like? If the lofty ideas you’ve heard and seen don’t provide you with something your mind can lay hold on, they are dreams. Although I’ve not been hired to do the job of mayor, I’ve given you facts, statistics, organizational plans, suggestions for how to improve and achieved measurable goals. I’ve read the Municipal Handbook and have a good understanding how a city should be governed. I’m committed to following rules and leading by example how to treat my employer: you.
Public servants should always be looking for how to lead by example and serve their constituents. That’s not something that happens for a short period of time or for a special occasion. Public service is a way of life and those that exemplify that in their daily walk make great leaders.
For those who have never met me, I welcome the opportunity to get to know you. For those who do know me, thank you for encouraging me to do something that truly has made me stretch. I’m different than I was four months ago. I’m stronger, bolder, more confident and less likely to shy away from a difficult situation. No matter the outcome, I’m better for having done this.
My motto is to “bloom where I am planted” and if you plant my feet in the office of mayor, be prepared for the good kind of growth as individuals because you’ll be invited to participate in the process, and as a community because we cannot stop the growth, we can only plan for it.