A hot topic in our town is whether or not to invest millions to renovate the aging civic center and theater. It has been a contested issue for quite some time, involving task forces, consultants, and a costly delay due to COVID. The City Council was working on language to put the financing before taxpayers when “in a sudden shift” this week they decided not to move forward with a referendum.
I am disappointed by the change of direction by most of the council members, but one, in particular, is of special concern. She was sworn in on April 4 — just two months ago. Her quote in the paper yesterday: “I promised voters that I would vote to put this to referendum, but I can’t in good conscience do that now,” she said.
Before you make promises you can’t keep in order to gain favor, be intentional about your language. Allow for leeway to change your mind based upon additional information, especially if you are new to a role. Don’t say what people want to hear before you know if you can deliver it. The only real asset leaders have is their integrity.
Source: Council nixes Five Flags referendum by John Kruse, Telegraph Herald June 8, 2022, p. 1A
