Let’s Talk

Let’s Talk!

Last August, after announcing my candidacy for mayor, I set out on an effort to personally meet with as many Maricopans as schedules permitted. I have attended club meetings, park events, and youth sporting events; basically I met with anybody that would talk with me. This accomplished two things; I learned a lot about what things are important to the people of Maricopa. Second, I wanted to make a statement that I’m going to be a leader that wants to open communication lines, is approachable, and listens.

While continuing along these last few weeks with the same efforts, I am amazed at how often I hear a statement full of inaccurate information. Recently, I heard from a friend in Province that there is a report that I was personally responsible for stopping Wal-Mart from coming to town! The crazy thing is that while this wild report is circulating, site preparation for the shopping center that includes Wal-Mart and others at the corner of Porter and Casa Grande Highway is underway! Of course there was no bit of truth to the rumor and shame on the person who started it, but it illustrates my point that rumors and wild speculation can distract us from talking about the real issues. Whether the rumors are about me, another candidate, your children’s teacher, your neighbor, or any one of the multitudes of people you come into contact with daily. Maricopans, don’t be seduced by rumor, gossip, or speculation, let’s talk!

Much has been said by the candidates about “transparency.” Transparency in communication works both ways. If people have questions about where I stand on an issue or something I’ve done, please contact me. Talk with the rest of the candidates. Most of them have websites and an easy way to contact them. Please take advantage of the open door. Let’s talk!

In this day of emails, emoticons, blogs, text messaging, instant messaging, and who knows what next, solid two-way communication may be a rare commodity. Many have stumbled into the communication quagmire thinking that merely putting a message out there means you have communicated. Wrong! I have been known to participate in all of the above methods, but I have a significant personal preference and healthy respect for the power of face to face conversation. Take the advice of the famous poet and novelist, Robert Louis Stevenson who said, “Talk is by far the most accessible of pleasures. It costs nothing in money, it is all profit, it completes our education, founds and fosters our friendships, and can be enjoyed at any age and in almost any state of health.” Come on folks, take a risk, let’s talk!

If you would like to have coffee with me and invite your family and friends to talk, I’d be happy to join you. Just send me an email by going to my Web site at www.smithmaricopa.com. I’ll be there!

Photo by RuthAnn Hogue

All candidates and their endorsers are invited to submit guest editorials to RuthAnn Hogue at [email protected]. They will be published on a space-available, first-come, first-served basis.