St. Marie Commissioner Dilemma

Dear Editor,

Once upon a time-(as the old saying goes)---many times in your past and hopefully many times in your future, Valley County's choices of governmental leadership are chosen. Hopefully, the options are driven by knowing what a Valley County Commissioner is expected to do:

1. Intellectually willing to know about your/our community's needs and feelings of despair

2. Efforts of kindness to personally learn how to perform the commissioner role

3. Possesses the positive attitude to be actively involved in helping meet community needs

Reading was done to share community knowledge of what a Montana County Commissioner is expected to do for a county. In that reading were stated the county commissioner's expectations of performance. Commissioners have jurisdiction and power where no other provision is made by law. The Valley County Courthouse proclaimed MACo's (Montana Association of Counties) job expectations are used as a performance measure for the Valley County Commissioners. The expectation of interdependence in pursuing county safety, education, and health excellence of human services is noted in that document, including the support in retaining quality board members to serve community members. One of the Valley County Commissioners is recorded as an active MACo Health and Community Services Committee member.

The St. Marie Community needs a commissioner's help with every board's general leadership education. There is a need for guidance to accomplish consistent and well-functioning meetings and follow-through to meet community needs. Assistance with meaningful organizational standards needs to occur. There is a need for support and encouragement to follow through with leadership behaviors for community members' health, education, and safety. The administrative and secretarial fiduciary behaviors appear limited.

On the brighter side, the commissioners have appointed a needed board member(s) when required, and the commissioners have verbally encouraged the community election of board members at the appropriate times. That verbalization has been appreciated. However, it follows with a continued loud statement that St. Marie remains a vulnerable community needing Valley County Commissioner's personal presence and consistent active involvement with boards to encourage board leadership and appropriate community support.

If the commissioners are not fully aware of where to start or what to do to increase their active support of a vulnerable community, they have been offered free professional academic leadership education. No attempt by any Valley County Commissioner has occurred as an outcome of this offer.

Unfortunately, the written reminder of the commissioner's role expectations was interpreted by a commissioner as "insulting." In addition, a commissioner's response to a St. Marie board request for assistance was that the commissioners could not/would not be of assistance.

It is said that a positive attitude, helpfulness, and kindness towards others are everything! Kindness and concern for the welfare of all Valley County residents are needed. Valley County Commissioners are voted to actively do and assist with specific community residents' needs and are paid to provide these gifts of support and kindness to the entire Valley County. It is the ultimate test of the Valley County Commissioner's dedication to giving these gifts to the St. Marie community. In return, St. Marie community members participate in the ebb and flow of all county activities.

Every time you vote, think carefully! Does this person you approve by your vote for the replacement or continuance of a Valley County Commissioner truly care, is knowledgeable about the role, and is willing to help all of us in Valley County-or is it just perceived as a role of prestige? Is or has the person you are voting for willing to be/continue to be overtly committed to seeking the knowledge, doing the work, and having the attitude required to help meet the needs of your/our community-especially a vulnerable community--by being there in person when needed? Will they be available and present when needed at your/our community as a capable and educated leader-- listening, comprehending, giving viable and valuable suggestions, and supporting positive Valley County Community outcomes-even at St Marie?

St. Marie waits for you to vote at every voting opportunity for Valley County Commissioners. We at St. Marie will inform you of Valley County Commissioners' recognized cognitive ability, actual performance, and attitude on our behalf!

Thank You,

Carolyn Taylor, EdD MN RN

St. Marie, Mont.

Doctorate in Leadership Education

Master's Degree in Nursing Education, and Registered Nurse in the State of Montana

National Author on Leadership