This is my personal opinion. Let me say it again - this is my PERSONAL opinion. And it does reflect my approach to leadership, my value for this community, my personal values and priorities, and probably my sarcastic sense of humor (which I will try and turn down so I sound semi-intelligent). And for the record, this is not the position of Meadow Spring Community Church - because Meadow Spring does not have a position on this election.
K...ready?
Oh wait...I don't blog often on political issues. In fact, this one is my ... hmmm - let me count all the times I have blogged on political issues. Just a minute. I think - maybe one other time - MAYBE.
Oh...and I won't be mentioning any names. I do not publicly say who I am voting for. Never have. Never will. (However, Dairy Queen and Famous Dave's gift cards could change my mind. And I welcome every attempt to do so!!)
Oh...and one other thing - the Vikes rock!
Now...about tonight...
- Great turnout! Really was. I totally believe there is a lot of potential for how a movie theatre can be used. Church is one (obviously) and this is another one.
- It was interesting which candidates were there. It was also interesting who WASN'T there. Now maybe there was some unavoidable issue preventing a candidate from coming, but if running in an election to lead this community is really important to you - you need to clear your schedule and bust your buns for a couple of months and get face to face with as many people as you can. It says a lot to me when a candidate does not show up.
- It was great that questions were taken from the audience. But...if a question is asked anonymously - you don't look at the crowd and ask who asked the question? Sheesh!
- There are two definitive paradigms in this election. One is from those who have lived in this community for many many years and the other is representative of those who are newer. I believe we need BOTH to bring balance and health to this great community.
- For the most part, the wrong questions were being asked and the wrong issues were being addressed by the candidates. There is too much talk about "ideas" and not enough talk about how someone leads, builds teams, works with staff, builds and carries out vision. We need "leaders", not just people with great ideas. Too many politicians get into trouble because they voice great ideas before an election that gains them support, but then can't lead the teams and staff - (or worse didn't do their homework before and their "idea" really wasn't so great or even relevant!) to see that idea become reality.
- We need leaders who will allow the ideas to come from the people and then lead the people to accomplish great things. Leading this community is not about the mayor or the city council, it is about the people of Shakopee.
- We need leaders who do not condemn and dig up past controversy or even bad decisions. (Yup, there have been bad decisions - but the only way to avoid this would be for them to be omniscient and that belongs only to God...although some critics seem to believe they ARE God). ANYBODY can find fault!
- We need leaders who will lead "forward" and see beyond WHAT happened and instead see what COULD happen and create the momentum for the people to make it happen.
- When you have a pile of horse manure you can 1) plug your nose and complain about the smell, or 2) start digging because there has to be a pony in there somewhere! We need leaders who are going to dig!
- You NEED to vote. It is your right. It is your opportunity. And it is your God-given responsibility. God will use your vote to carry out His sovereign will.
- Finally...when the election is all said and done - regardless of whether the person you voted for won or not - your (and my) responsibility now is to respect and pray for our leaders...NOT criticize them.
Oh...and one more thing. I REALLY feel bad for the Packers. NOT!!!
So...who am I voting for? Well, I'm not totally decided yet. However, I do know who I am NOT voting for (And just a reminder that Dairy Queen and Famous Dave's gift cards just might get me to blab!)
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