As residents of Smyrna, we once again find ourselves wrestling with a choice of Mayor for our Town. This year’s decision has been made even more complex with distinct styles of leadership and management associated with each of the three candidates.
Our Town needs visionary leadership from our Mayor and Council during this time of economic hardship. The national economic woes are affecting Smyrna in many ways; people are losing jobs and their homes, community businesses are struggling and new businesses scarce. The State and County are wrestling with their own fiscal woes and have few resources left for Smyrna. We complain of high taxes and higher electric rates, while Town staff struggle to provide adequate services with out-of-date infrastructure.
So, what do we want in a Mayor for these tough times?
1st – We need a leader. We all know or have heard of people who are in positions of leadership but who are not acting as leaders (current Wall Street CEOs, for example). Our Mayor must be someone who leads by example so council members, business leaders, Town employees and the community are motivated to follow. Effective leaders are willing to entertain opposing points of view and can learn from their mistakes.
2nd – Our Town needs a Mayor who is optimistic and not fearful of the future. Negativity spreads like wildfire and will eventually isolate this community from the economic recovery that will inevitably come. Our Town faces many difficult challenges over the next few years and we need a Mayor who is not afraid to make tough decisions for the good of the Town that may be unpopular to some residents.
3rd – We need someone who understands and fulfills the role of Mayor as defined by the Town Charter. Smyrna is a “weak-Mayor” form of the Mayor-Council government. The Mayor has no more political power than any other member of the Town Council. The Mayor and Council act as a “board of directors” while the Town Manager is our CEO or chief administrator. The continued confusion as to the Mayor’s role on Town Council and the daily management of Town staff is embarrassing and time consuming. We should expect our elected officials to know their roles and perform them.
4th – The challenges facing our Town will require a Mayor with more than a passing knowledge of some difficult issues. Our next Mayor will be challenged to evaluate differing opinions with regard to many critical issues during the next two years. Should the Town accept federal stimulus funds for badly needed utility and street improvements even though it may require borrowing matching funds? How will the Town balance revenue from taxes and electric rates with Town services? These are just two of the problems we know are waiting to be resolved. There will likely be many more on the horizon.
As residents of Smyrna, we all want clean water, safe streets, local jobs and a Town we are proud of. We need a Mayor who is willing to make tough decisions while keeping Smyrna on sound financial footing. So when you have the opportunity to speak with any of the three candidates during the next few weeks, make sure and get answers to these questions and others which are important to you. Our Mayor represents all of us. Make sure the candidates understand that we care about what happens in Smyrna.
SMYRNA, Del. —
