Sunday, February 5th 2012
 

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Turn accusations into action

Written by Amy Mayhew
Written by Janet Leslie   
Monday, February 22 2010


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.

Comments

 
0 #1 Jason Hughes Sunday, February 05 2012 6:53am
Darrin, you are right that anonymity can help the voice of the shy be heard. The anonymity does have a positive aspect but it is far outweighed by the negative side.

I also heard of the issue with Big Tony's. The first time I heard of it was through gossip. The story was that the owner was given a list of necessary upgrades and improvements before the business could operate out of the new location. After the time and money was placed into the required improvements, the owner went back to the council and was told that there were additional required improvements before they could begin operations. It was told as if the council was creating obstacles to keep the business from operating.

Without pointing a finger of blame because I only know of what happened second hand, if the requirements are part of county, state or federal regulation how is the village council at fault? Maybe something wasn't communicated effectively... I don't know.

There may be some truth to both sides, but the issue I see is having to sift through all the emotion and drama to determine what went wrong and what improvements need to be made to prevent this from happening again. If we get caught up in the drama then we fail to learn from the past and lose an opportunity for improvement for our future.
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0 #2 Darrin Sunday, February 05 2012 6:53am
I understand the point of Janetâà¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¡Ã‚¬Ãà ‚¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s opinionâÃà ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¬ÃƒÆ ’à ‚¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚I think itââÃ Â¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¬ÃƒÆ ’à ‚¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s well-intendedâà ¢â€šÂ¬Ã Æ ’à ‚¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚but there are two points I take issue with. First, to label certain comments as âââ €šÂ¬Ã Æ ’à ¢â‚¬Â¹Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å“baseless rumorsâà¢Ã¢ €šÂ¬Ã Æ ’à ‚¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢ is highly misleading. While it can be a strong technique to declare oneself as âââ €šÂ¬Ã Æ ’à ¢â‚¬Â¹Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å“judge and juryââ â €šÂ¬Ã Æ ’à ‚¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢ and neatly compartmentalize dissenting opinions as falseâà¢ÃƒÂ¢ €šÂ¬Ã Æ ’à ‚¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚it neglects the fact that some issues just flat out have varying perspectives and room for interpretation. Second, Jason, while the ability to be somewhat anonymous opens the door for perhaps some non-value added comments, it also opens the door for many who many not feel comfortable sharing input and opinions otherwise. I agree w/ Dan; while more information is helpful, leaders should make the most of what they are given. Rather than use local constituents to stir up the dust and name names, maybe Janetâà¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¡Ã‚¬Ãà ‚¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s next column can take that initiative on herself. That way, we can use her opinions and those of others to make up our own minds about where change is needed within Village and Township leadership.
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0 #3 Dan Sunday, February 05 2012 6:53am
Okay concept in theory, fails miserably in reality. Falsely assumes everyone with input or concern is in the know. Most couldn't pick Pete Clemens or Janet Leslie out of a 5-person lineup at the Holly Donut Shop, much less dissect the actions and thought processes of all those in power. Up to those elected to take ownership and turn input/criticism into something actionable. Complaining that the voice of the people isn't good enough takes us backwards. Been there done that.
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0 #4 Jason Hughes Sunday, February 05 2012 6:53am
Janet has a valid point. The downside is that it is much easier to partake in the rumors based on uninformed opinions instead of getting involved. What percentage of registered voters in our community actually made it to the polls in the last election?

Having the ability to post anonymously with little lasting repercussion has also made it easier to blame "them" and increase the power of the rumor. As readers (or listeners of the rumor mill) we have to remember to take opinions as opinions and not fact.

It is refreshing to see community members asking specific questions and seeing detailed responses from leaders like Pete and Jesse.
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