Letter: Holman demonstrates qualities we need in local leaders
To the Editor-
I’ve had the good fortune to work with many talented young professionals in Portage County.
Through these relationships, I’ve consistently seen that commitment to shared goals and team building will quickly move a serious young person into a leadership role. To be serious is to know that it is often the mundane, daily, and unglamorous parts of the job that are most important.
It also requires the self-confidence to accept the participation of people with diverse beliefs and experiences as a necessary and even beneficial part of reaching our goals. Being tolerant of the intolerant and gracious in the face of criticism are hallmarks of true leadership. I’ve watched this process change hearts and minds, even my own.
These are qualities that only those closest to the work often recognize but that everyone benefits from. In today’s politically charged environment, this level of maturity is not likely to raise a person’s public profile, but it is critically important to have in our leaders, especially in local government.
I’ve learned to look for these qualities before I cast my vote.
What qualities would you rate higher for your local leaders? Should they have a strong desire for public recognition and praise? Should they be aiming for greater political office? Should they clearly state their opinions on issues that dominate state and national campaign cycles, so we know exactly where they stand? Should they identify with our political tribe, carry our same grudges, and aggressively fight the “other side?”
As gratifying as this might be and as important as it might seem in state and national political campaigns, the reality is that none of these qualities help improve local decision-making. They by nature are divisive, at odds with our shared needs, and contrary to the explicitly non-partisan position of the Portage County Executive.
The county executive should dedicate their time and attention to the place where they live and the people that live there. They should tirelessly support and represent the county employees that provide the critical, local services we depend on. They should commit to the sustainability of local government finances.
They should work to modernize local government services. They should support economic development and infrastructure that maximizes local benefit. They should work to grow a voice for local governments at the state capitol.
They should commit to improving public understanding of important local issues. They should ensure the sustainable management of public properties and critical resources for the benefit of current and future generations.
They should champion anti-poverty and criminal justice programs that help the most in need. They should commit to respectful dialogue and improved county decision-making.
They should be a consistent and calm hand at the wheel when a crisis hits. And maybe most importantly, they should work daily to mend local fences damaged by increasingly severe state and national political storms.
Chris Holman has demonstrated these qualities and prioritized these concerns in his role as county executive over the past four years. Because of this, he has earned my respect and that of many others.
In the next few months, we will have the opportunity to hear from Chris and two additional candidates hoping to serve the people of Portage County in this role.
I hope you pay close attention to their motivations and consider the qualities most needed in our local leadership when you cast your vote.
Nick Hylla
Custer
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