In response to Michelle Richardson’s letter to the editor (True leadership is action, not position, May 29), I wish to indicate my agreement with her statements.
Communities and its various leaders (politicians, business, non-profit, community groups, religious, etc.) have chosen to take action and undertake efforts at moving forward towards solutions and desired outcomes.
This is not an easy or even thankful task as many struggle on, striving to achieve a vision despite skepticism and easy criticism. They deserve our support and respect even if we don’t agree with their position.
People can chose to merely live in a community or chose to take part in it. In choosing to take part, I believe they all make this community better in that they develop visions of what should be and actively take positive steps and engage others to achieve these goals. It is not easy.
Community leadership takes its toll on one’s free time, requires research and work to be done if it is meaningful change one seeks. Finally it often requires one to suffer the proverbial slings and arrows that people will hurl at them and not necessarily their arguments or goals. Michelle is correct when she eloquently states, one should “refrain from complaining and criticizing others, for their efforts.”
I am happy to say that living in Hope (literally and metaphorically) there are many individuals and groups who provide positive energy and are working to shape the future rather than sit idly by on the sidelines and let events dictate how our community will exist. Groups like the Chamber of Commerce, service clubs, arts groups, Hope Care Transit, Hope Golf Club, etc. add so much value to our community – but only through their positive efforts.
I was reminded of the positive impact Hope Motorsports Group has had in bringing in a midway as part of their event this past weekend. We are all the richer for it.
John Fortoloczky,
Resident and taxpayer in Hope
