This has been a tough year and a tough election, no matter who you are or which side you may take in politics. While it may not seem like it at times, experience shows us that we will continue to find common ground and work together to continue making our communities and Southeast Michigan the great places we know them to be.
Regardless of party affiliation, today is a particularly hard day for some of our elected officials in Southeast Michigan. Specifically, today is the last day in office for township elected officials who have not been re-elected (many others will cap their current terms of service at the New Year’s holiday), and this one hits close to home for me.
Many of you know that I have worked at SEMCOG for over 25 years. In a quarter-century, you learn a lot about the dedication of elected officials from all over Southeast Michigan. The passion, selflessness, and seemingly boundless energy to serve is contagious and inspiring! I have had the privilege of doing great work with leaders from both sides of the aisle; at SEMCOG, bi-partisan cooperation is norm rather than the exception.
Elections are bittersweet for us. We celebrate voting, the cornerstone of American democracy that enables us to use our voices to choose leaders that reflect the direction we want our communities to go. While this year’s election has been like no other in many ways, we experienced the joy that comes from seeing a record turnout. An engaged electorate is a great thing, however results shake out. We are always excited to work with newly elected leaders, who bring fresh energy, ideas, and experiences to local government and regional collaboration. We are a bit saddened, however, when this natural turnover replaces individuals with whom we have worked closely and who we know have contributed so much.
To be specific, elected officials we work with through SEMCOG epitomize the core values we hold close:
• Visionary
• Collaborative and Inclusive
• Strategic
• Integrity
• Knowledgeable
On a personal level, I have gotten an extra close-up look at the dedication of a local elected leader over the last few years, as I’m married to one. He is among those serving his last day in office, and I am very proud of his commitment to service. Like so many others, he has demonstrated how much courage it takes to put yourself forward in this way; it is easy to look past the sacrifices and tough choices our leaders make for the good of their constituents.
A healthy democracy makes space for healthy debate and potentially new directions when we disagree; today, let us also remember that we have more in common than not, and let us see our public servants for what they are. Thank you to all who have answered the call to public service. Your vision and passion for your community and Southeast Michigan is appreciated and seen. Please continue to lean into Southeast Michigan.
For those at the end of your elected careers. Thank you for your service to Southeast Michigan. We look forward to continuing to work together (though maybe in different ways) to meet our vision, in which…
All people in Southeast Michigan benefit from a connected, thriving region of small towns, dynamic urban centers, active waterfronts, diverse neighborhoods, premier educational institutions, and abundant agricultural, recreational and natural areas.
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