"Leadership" vs. "Power."



In November of 2005 I began writing my blog called “The Stokes Report” and writing a weekly column for the Enfield Press. One of the first issues I address was the difference between true leadership and power.

As we approach the 2007 elections I wanted to once again speak about what leadership is and how it is the key to making our community truly successful. Therefore, what is leadership and how does it differ from power?

Leadership is the gifted ability to draw all opinions before acting on a decision. Power, or the abuse of, is demonstrated by avoiding dialog that may not agree with your direction. Leadership has enough self-confidence to thrive on debate by dissenting opinions. Power runs for political cover when asked straightforward questions. Leadership attempts to sway others to their view by honoring their position as elected representatives of the town. Power says, we won, you lost. Leadership is expressed in humility, power is expressed in arrogance.

Today in all levels of government we are seeing a vacuum of leadership. Enfield needs real leadership now more then ever. We have some tough times ahead and some very important projects to move forward. We have issues that effect our children's education, our property owner’s tax burden and, business development.

It will take leadership to advance these, and many more, issues into reality without creating a battle at the Council meetings, the Board of Education meetings, and in the press.
Power can be used to advance an agenda. The majority can win every vote. The elected minority can be made irrelevant. But what will be the cost?
It will be a loss of confidence in our town leaders. We will see headlines in the press, not about the what we are fighting for, but whom we are fighting with. We will see voters lose interest in elections, because their vote is not valued, unless they vote for the right political party.

This November you the voter have a chance to elect new leadership to the town and school offices. The men and women that hold these seats will decide the future of our community.

The Republicans have selected their slate for November. Each person running on the Republican side brings to the table a variety of gifts and abilities. Some, such as Scott Kaupin, bring years of experience on the Council. Others have business experience, and all have been active participants in the community.

What we offer most of all is leadership. Leadership that will listen to you the taxpayer. Leadership that knows what is needed to keep taxes in check, while providing the best services and education possible.

We do not promise perfection, but we do promise to be good stewards over your interest. We are committed to finding solutions to challenges that you and your families face.

On the school Board side we have five great candidates running for office. Andre Greco, Sue Hozempa, and Chuck Johnson have proven themselves in the past two years as sitting Board members. Pat Droney and myself bring extra talent to the team with a wide variety of abilities.

Pat has served our community at a Police Officer for years. He also has served on the Budget Advisory Committee which has given him great understanding of the workings of the district.

I have served as Vice-Chairman of a Board of Education and this year I was Co-Chairman of the 2007 Budget Advisory Committee. I understand what it will take to offer quality education while keeping taxes low.

In the next few months I will profile each Republican running for office. You will see that we have chosen people that care about you the taxpayer. Each person is at your disposal throughout the campaign.

For more information go to the Republican web site at www.ERTC.net.

Greg Stokes