Pro Active Leadership

If there is one book leaders need to read I would suggest reading “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Steven R. Covey. In this book there are seven points that can make one effective, something anyone in an influential position should consider.

The topic “Being Proactive” is discussed in the first chapter. How fitting is this when it comes to being a leader. Do we see any of our leaders out on a regular basis being proactive in meeting the public? When there is a problem to address, are they there side by side with the people being affected?

In Steven Covy’s book, language is just one way to be proactive, or in many cases not. For example how many times have you heard from our leaders, “There’s nothing I can do.” As a change manager expert in my job, that sentence makes no sense to me, as my response would be, “There must be an alternative and we need to explore all possibilities.” There are many ways to address an issue; just saying no is not an option to me.

An additional way to look at problems in our community is from a proactive focus. Many times concerns will drive a focus on a problem, for example, the loss of businesses has be driving the focus to get more business. But the alternative to this is to have a proactive focus to increase population which will drive down concerns of businesses and allow for the city to flourish. Of course it is much more complex that just a few words in a sentence as you have to be proactive on many fronts such as crime, racial issues, and much more.

Until our leadership learns how to be proactive, the circle of concerns will inherent all the issues and make it very difficult to focus on making this the city it can be. Stop waiting for things to happen and make them happen in a positive manner. Check out www.citizensforalton.com or www.metroeastgreenparty.org.


R. Jennings
Chairman Metro East Green Party
Citizens for a Better Alton

Alton Challenge # 2

In reference to Abe Lee Barham, Jr.’s letter to the Telegraph editor on January 15, 2007, is a prime example of the challenges the city of Alton needs to address. Mr. Barham is right that we do have economic development, housing, and political empowerment, and needs to be addressed as a whole, not buy just one group of concern citizens. His comment that the most powerful way to fight these challenges is to vote, and that is exactly what I have been saying now for months. We the citizens need to stand united not matter the race. Until this happens, we will never see any changes to these challenges.

I am for the everyday working person I Alton, and think it is high time we develop a strategy to find new ways to relinquish the inadequacy we have today in local governments. If interested, email me at rwj4green@sbcglobal.net.

December 27, 2006

As the year of 2006 comes to a close, I think it is only right to reflect on the good that has been done in our community. Too many people are always quick to condemn or complain, and only a few will voice the good things. As a citizen in Alton, I can see many things that need to be changed, but that is not a problem, it is a challenge for our community to work through. But let’s look on the bright side of things for a change. Our city has great drawing attraction of the antique shops, and soon the eagles will be soaring over the city bring in tourists to see them.

We have an excellent police force that is very professional. Yes, mistakes are made, but they are human too. They have added more equipment that many think is frivolous, but if you analyze the threats in our society, the costs can be justified. It is pleasant to see a police officer drive by and wave and smile as they have done with me. Then there is our fire department that protects us and is there to help in emergencies. Like the police department the equipment they have is necessary, and I am sure both agencies need more, and as a citizen, we need to help ensure this happens.

Doctors are returning to the area, and our hospitals have grown to help keep people in the community healthy. Alton School test scores are up, and this could not happen without the help from teachers, school officials, and most of all the parents. Our city has just completed the Hellrung Park and places for the children to play and we have many other parks as well. Gordon Moore Park is a magnificent specimen and many people from different parts of the county come here to play in tournaments.

These are just a few things that make me happy about our community. I totally agree with people that things need to be fixed, but instead of seeing the negative side all the time, try looking at the positive side of accepting a challenge. More can be done if we would gather as a team and work as a team. Unity is just another challenge to look at, but with positive outlook it can be a trip to take that could change your complete lifestyle. Be proud of where you live and look to make a difference. Give it a try, and join me in 2007 to make a difference in the city of Alton. Happy Holidays everyone.