I ran across an interesting line in today’s letters to the editor: "Great leaders push their citizens in the right direction and let them figure out how best to get there."
That’s a certain reversal of the way I’ve always thought it works. By definition, shouldn’t great leaders lead their citizens in the right direction, hopefully having researched some in advance to know how to get there?
It’s a relevant question in the coming days, because on Monday night, City Council will elect from among themselves a mayor and vice-mayor. As of today, two have declared their interest in the mayor’s job (Beehan and Golden), and two for the vice-mayor’s job (Miller and Mosby). Unfortunately, Golden — or maybe his head cheerleader — has chosen to play the race card.
This is beneath Willie. I’d like to think he’s better than such cheap tricks… but what I’d like to think is sometimes more optimistic than reality.
However, now that the race card is on the table, it introduces yet another interesting twist with Mosby’s declaration. Will the selection of mayor and vice-mayor hinge on trade-offs to ensure that one of the two is selected for a leadership position?
Long-time Oak Ridgers should remember the year that Jerry Kuhaida was elected mayor, where Roy Pruitt experienced an an "et tu, Brute?" moment.
Tom Beehan has the knowledge, experience, and time to ably serve as Oak Ridge’s next mayor, and Jane Miller has the makings of a good understudy for the job. Monday night should be interesting.
Tom and Jane bring experience and knowledge to the position. We need to ask what we are looking for in a Mayor? Although Willie might be a fine person, what does he bring to the table? He brings Alan Beauchamp. Alan has succeeded in bringing controversy to anything he is involved in or touches. Do we need that kind of controversy at this time when the city needs true leadership? My vote (if I had one) would go to Mr. Beehan and Ms. Miller.
Our City Council is definately intelligent enough not to be manipulated by Beauchamp’s political tactics. He never ceases to amaze me how low he will stoop. To try to use guilt is ridiculous. We need a mayor and vice mayor with qualifications and experience. We do not need a mayor with skeltons. This is not a race issue it is what is best for this city. We are progressive enough to look at things clearly and it is clear that Mr. Beehan and Ms. Miller have proven their dedication to the city along with their communication skills, experience and commitment.
We need to ask ourselves if we want our mayor to be someone that there has been so much controvery about. You are who you hang with and his choice of friends leaves a lot to be desired. If you elect Willie you get Beauchamp. This is just the way it is. Can we risk having Alan involved in our local politics. The county has pretty much ostrisized him and he needs somewhere to go. We don’t need him putting his claws into Oak Ridge and doing to us what he did to the county. We don’t need that type of NEGATIVE publicity. Tom Beehan has always handled himself in a professional manner with class. He brings intelligence to the position. It is not about how GQ you are but about how ethical you are.
Wow – you hit the nail on the head with this one! How sad it is.
I read the O/R’r and couldn’t believe it myself. Personally, I want someone who’s willing to be involved in the community not just be seen on television attending the monthly meetings…..watch for my letter to the Editor of the O/R’r. I think I explained my views to Council Members and hope that they think before they vote. TOM for MAYOR!!