Dear Editor:
As Climax Village President from 2020 to 2024, and having served on the council more than once after moving here in 1998, I do have a few insights in the operations, challenges and successes of a village council that is effective. Primarily, I’ve observed that merely “maintaining” a status quo and avoiding tough decisions, simply does not work in the long run. I am asked to comment or discuss, nearly daily, about my feelings on the candidates for Climax Village President in November. I do have my opinion, and I’ve taken my time to let it evolve, and absolutely considered the candidates and their strengths and potential weaknesses.
First, is Structure and Responsibilities. Since the village is Incorporated, the township has limited ability to effect decisions made at the village council level. So, decisions need to be well thought out, considering any and all benefits and repercussions, along with the long-term results. This does take thoughtfulness, careful research, and teamwork. Sometimes these factors are not readily available. In todays world, disagreements seem to dominate ... which is why you need a leader to consider everything, then focus on and forge ahead with a goal and solid decision in mind. Not everyone has this ability.
Second, is Communication. Not the kind of communication that merely turns a subject into a mishmash of aggressively dominant opinions and entitlements....but communication that pulls together ideas to form a cohesive goal and end result that is fair, sensible and accomplishes a goal that is good for ALL, not just a few. Again, not everyone has this ability.
Third, Leadership. It is not easy to responsibly balance governmental structure, procedures, ordinances, water systems, DPW/Employee’s, roads and sidewalks, budgets/tax’s, public spaces, security, transparency, angry unreasonable residents, and a diverse and sometimes divided council. Believe me, I know. You can ask my Cardiologist how it effected me, and he’ll tell you that it is not a job for the faint-hearted. It’s a business, an extremely difficult one, and not everyone is cut out to run it.
There are two local people running for the position of Climax Village Council President. Although both carry deep affection for our village, one is an educated, experienced proven leader....while the other has little experience in governing or balancing duty with emotions. The former has to make the tough, sometimes individually contentious decisions everyday, while the latter does not possess the temperament or clear thinking judgment it takes to keep our village on a path to progress and stability.
It’s a simple choice to me ... since I’ve personally observed the character and judgment of both men. What every town and village and city in this nation needs now, more than ever, is strong leadership that is fair, transparent and responsible ... but also looks ahead to a changing world landscape. Our village deserves nothing less.
So, I endorse David Miller for Village Council President. To me ... the choice is crystal clear.
—Jim Cummings
As Climax Village President from 2020 to 2024, and having served on the council more than once after moving here in 1998, I do have a few insights in the operations, challenges and successes of a village council that is effective. Primarily, I’ve observed that merely “maintaining” a status quo and avoiding tough decisions, simply does not work in the long run. I am asked to comment or discuss, nearly daily, about my feelings on the candidates for Climax Village President in November. I do have my opinion, and I’ve taken my time to let it evolve, and absolutely considered the candidates and their strengths and potential weaknesses.
First, is Structure and Responsibilities. Since the village is Incorporated, the township has limited ability to effect decisions made at the village council level. So, decisions need to be well thought out, considering any and all benefits and repercussions, along with the long-term results. This does take thoughtfulness, careful research, and teamwork. Sometimes these factors are not readily available. In todays world, disagreements seem to dominate ... which is why you need a leader to consider everything, then focus on and forge ahead with a goal and solid decision in mind. Not everyone has this ability.
Second, is Communication. Not the kind of communication that merely turns a subject into a mishmash of aggressively dominant opinions and entitlements....but communication that pulls together ideas to form a cohesive goal and end result that is fair, sensible and accomplishes a goal that is good for ALL, not just a few. Again, not everyone has this ability.
Third, Leadership. It is not easy to responsibly balance governmental structure, procedures, ordinances, water systems, DPW/Employee’s, roads and sidewalks, budgets/tax’s, public spaces, security, transparency, angry unreasonable residents, and a diverse and sometimes divided council. Believe me, I know. You can ask my Cardiologist how it effected me, and he’ll tell you that it is not a job for the faint-hearted. It’s a business, an extremely difficult one, and not everyone is cut out to run it.
There are two local people running for the position of Climax Village Council President. Although both carry deep affection for our village, one is an educated, experienced proven leader....while the other has little experience in governing or balancing duty with emotions. The former has to make the tough, sometimes individually contentious decisions everyday, while the latter does not possess the temperament or clear thinking judgment it takes to keep our village on a path to progress and stability.
It’s a simple choice to me ... since I’ve personally observed the character and judgment of both men. What every town and village and city in this nation needs now, more than ever, is strong leadership that is fair, transparent and responsible ... but also looks ahead to a changing world landscape. Our village deserves nothing less.
So, I endorse David Miller for Village Council President. To me ... the choice is crystal clear.
—Jim Cummings
