Supporting a Proactive Rather than Reactive Approach to Personnel Challenges

I support the need for businesses and government to be proactive, versus reactive, to the challenges they face. As city leaders, both the elected officials and those on staff, can approach their challenges in one of these two ways. With the current challenges, the need to be proactive has never been so essential as it is now.

It is important that we take the time to recognize the individuals who have served us so well over the years. We all forget to do this at times, as it seems that our lives only travel in the fast lanes. Sometimes we forget the people who have done so much for so many, all without receiving the appropriate recognition or thanks from those who they have graciously served.

As I sit and write this column, I can’t help but to reflect on the wonderful efforts made by our city employees over the years. During this time, they worked to continue providing residents and visitors with outstanding services, sometimes under very trying circumstances.

We probably don’t think too much about the many things we take for granted each day. I don’t know about you, but I really enjoy a hot shower first thing in the morning while I start my day. Couple that with a good hot cup of coffee and I can’t help but be thankful for those men and women who work in our utility enterprise, ensuring when I reach over and turn on the faucet that I’m not disappointed. It is those simple things that we sometimes take for granted.

Ever take your children or grandkids over to Mackle Park for an event? You can’t help but be impressed with the quality of the young men and women who meet you there and attend to your every need. In December, they join with the volunteer group Christmas Island Style to make sure your children have a wonderful time meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus, after a helicopter whisks them into Mackle Park for cookies and milk with Santa. I also think about the workers who keep those great parks, ball fields and courts in wonderful condition for everyone to enjoy.

Ever walk into the police station or city hall and notice how the facilities are impressively clean? You need to thank a facilities management person for taking such good care of your investment. They go about their duties quietly, without fanfare and without much notice for the most part.

The men and women who work in the Public Works Department are also out there on a day-to-day basis, making sure your daily commute is as uneventful as possible. Each year, this has become a little harder each as the city’s capital projects seem to get larger. These same individuals ensure you may return to your home after a hurricane impacts our island paradise. They do this under the most difficult circumstances, with pride and professionalism.

Walk into city hall and you’ll find some of the most accommodating and efficient personnel you’ll find anywhere. They will work with you to meet your needs or send you in the right direction to have your questions answered. Can I guarantee you’ll get the answer you want? Of course not, but I do know that those employees will do their level best to assist you in a polite and professional manner.

We also need to think about the men and women who serve you as first responders, professionals whom I hold in the highest regard. They are there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without fail. Their professions expose them to some of the best and worst of human nature, but their calm and reasoned approach to a crisis provides you and your family with the very best service found anywhere in this nation.

I would also be remiss not to point out the wonderful service we receive from the professionals at LCEC (Lee County Electric Cooperative). Although not city employees, they are there when the lights go out and work without delay to ensure they come on in a prompt and efficient fashion, many times working side-by-side with city employees.

These folks work hard for you every day, as the challenges have increased over the last couple of years. They perform flawlessly for the most part, while quietly going about the business of servicing the residents in our community. They do so with great professionalism and pride, and I thought I’d share those thoughts with you as the city staff and elected officials review ways to retain many of these fine men and women who serve us during difficult times.

That patience I’ve asked you to extend to our local businesses while they face similar challenges, I am now asking you to share with our great city staff.