Being a community leader, whether by election, appointment, or heading an organization, is a responsibility and a duty that must be performed with the highest level of integrity and honesty.
Leaders will not only be scrutinized by their decisions, but also by their conduct, words and actions, in their role. In today’s environment, your public and private life as a leader will be open to people and you will be judged.
Community leaders must have respect and the ability to work with other leaders without bias. Our society cannot move forward if we cannot ensure that these leaders make fair and balanced decisions, whether for our children, our families or our community.
In our Frederick County school board, we have seen community leaders disrespect other board members by posting offensive cartoons that would be considered racist and making inappropriate derogatory remarks to others. How can the council work together for the good of children when some council members act like children? Stick to the reason you were elected to the board by making decisions in everyone’s best interests, without involving your personal feelings.
We are in a very divisive time, and when our leaders back down with these kinds of negative comments, we will never move forward. So, let’s all work towards the common goal of lowering the level of anger. Please support our leaders who work for the good of our community, without bias. Leaders who use tactics to belittle or discriminate should be eliminated.
Richard Kennedy is a resident of Frederick County.
