Over the years Boone County has prided itself on people who make a difference—leaders whose motivation and determination are only exceeded by their integrity and the values they represent. Last week, I joined in an uplifting and inspiring event honoring one such person.

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We were celebrating Dr. Mel West on his upcoming 100th birthday and the 30th anniversary of the birth of Mobility Worldwide, an organization he founded that makes and provides hand-cranked “Mobility Carts” to people around the world who lack use of their legs. Even now, Dr. West, whose life-long impact extends across several continents, continues to persuade others to join him in this and other projects. His work and life’s goal of helping others is simple—do as much as you can, with all that you have, for as long as you can—and as he has taught us by example—with humility and grace.

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In stark juxtaposition, earlier that same day I had listened with growing horror to someone who considers herself a local leader—she actually holds the position of state Representative for my district—as she demeaned and belittled children while urging her legislative colleagues to join her in an attack on child labor laws. (See link to video below.) The contrast between my opponent for County Commission, Cheri Toalson Reisch, and Dr. West could not be greater or more jarring. It forces the very definition of leadership—what we should expect, what we should require of our leaders—to be reaffirmed.

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Though of a different generation than Dr. West, I am grateful to have been taught—and to have learned—much the same belief system, including how we view others and our responsibility to them and the wider community. Instead of condemning or labeling people, we must focus on finding solutions that help eliminate barriers to achieving success. When hate and contempt for others are removed, we can focus on the future with true leaders, who ensure that opportunities exist and that every child in our community has access to those opportunities.

 

Anger and hatred, especially when directed toward the most vulnerable members of our community, whether young or old, have no place in Boone County, and particularly in those who profess themselves to be leaders. We must choose to “be like Mel.”