Turn accusations into action

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Janet Leslie

This week, in response to a comment peppered with negative references to Holly leadership, I made the suggestion that if a complaint is to be made, the individual complaining also should state what exactly was done and who did it. 

I have since learned that some of the local leadership -- the elected officials some individuals wish to reform -- expressed support for my suggestion that the people with complaints should state specifically what was done and who did it. 

Why would these government leaders prefer that you call them out if you don’t like what they’ve done? The reasons are many.

First, being specific gives the accused the opportunity to respond to the charges. For example, I occasionally read a comment about “Janet Leslie and her secret agenda.” To that I say, “What secret agenda?” The truth is I really don’t know and would like to find out. It would be much easier if someone came right out and said something like, “I think Janet Leslie is secretly in favor of cityhood.” Then I could simply say that this is not true and point to an example I’ve used often, the successful cooperation between the village and township of Milford, and how I believe it is the model to follow. Then a real discussion about our options as a community can be had and something can be accomplished.

Secondly, being specific informs local leadership of what your concerns truly are. That helps to establish priorities. In what way do you feel local officials are not acting in your best interests? Are you concerned about water rates? Do you feel your taxes are too high? Are you mostly concerned about property values? Are you disappointed in Holly’s level of economic development? Do you feel your local representatives spend wastefully? Have you brought a complaint to a public meeting and felt your concerns were ignored? What is it local leadership needs to work on to serve you better?

If there are those in leadership positions who are acting in opposition to the community’s best interest, they need to be exposed. Your local news sources will tell you who is doing what, but they can’t report and editorialize at the same time. It is up to us as residents to go to the meetings or read the articles and say, “I don’t like that; this is not acceptable to me.” Then the offending leader can either convince us that what he or she is doing is not wrong, change his or her ways, or wait to be put out of office. There are many in this community working hard to bring about positive change. And just like you, they would like to get those working against progress out of the way. It’s our responsibility to know who, if anyone, needs to “go” in the next election.

Finally, misinformation and innuendo take the wind out of the sails of progress. If we want to attract investment in our community and if we want to fill the empty homes with cheerful new residents, we need to move forward. If you have a complaint, make it loud and clear. Then the problem can be solved. Vague expressions of dissatisfaction leave no opportunity for a solution, and create negative attitudes that continue and cast doubt on the efforts of those who are trying to create positive change.

I believe strongly in the importance of expressing opinions. Opinions that are specific and stated in a dignified manner can be the catalyst to all progress. At times it is tempting to blame our community’s problems on “them.” But if what we want is help solving those problems, we are much more likely to get it if we say exactly what troubles us and who we believe is responsible.