And Change is Needed!
August/22/2009 14:13
The following letter was penned by Shores resident, Dr. Janice Pemberton, and was recently published in the Grosse Pointe News. Dr. Pemberton has kindly granted me permission to post her thought provoking observations on the Guest Blog for those of you who did not see her letter in the paper. I really look forward to getting Jan’s monthly email that recaps the highlights of our Shores council meetings. If you would like to get Jan’s monthly email summarizing what happened, you can let her know at janjpem@aol.com
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To the editor:
With resident attendance at the Grosse Pointe Shores’ Council meetings growing, opportunities to hear directly from the taxpayers grow. But when residents are discouraged to speak, whether because of forced time limits or by number of responses “allowed,” a clear message is being sent by the Mayor…and change is needed.
When the Mayor and some Council members voice great displeasure at having residents attend Council meetings, a clear message is being sent…and change is needed.
Effective leaders know how to bring about desired results – as defined by the population they represent. But when the Mayor and some Council members push their personal agendas, regardless of the desire of the people, a clear message is being sent…and change is needed.
Effective leaders are encouraging and able to “see” the bigger picture and enable others to use their skills and abilities for the good of the whole. But when fellow Council members are criticized and chastised in public and private by other Council members for trying to do the best job they can and truly represent the people, a clear message is being sent….and change is needed.
Effective leaders know how to develop the potential in all for the good of everyone. But when the talent and skills of the community are discarded and/or ignored by the Mayor and some Council members, a clear message is being sent…and change is needed.
We have a Mayor in a leadership position in Grosse Pointe Shores who is swiftly stifling and destroying the opportunity for any growth, talent and ability to rise from its capable population. We have some Council members who are fighting against transparency and fiscal responsibility of this newly formed City.
If some of those who sit on this City’s Council continue to disregard the taxpayers they represent, if some of them continue to display flagrant disrespect for fellow Council members – by actions and by voices, a clear message is being sent….and change is needed.
Grosse Pointe Shores’ residents did not elect a “Council in training.” They expected capable leaders who would represent them, be fiscally responsible and encourage everyone in this community to contribute toward the growth of this new city.
Again, if this isn’t happening, if there isn’t growth or progress here, a clear message is being sent…and change is, indeed, needed!
Dr. Janice Pemberton
Grosse Pointe Shores