Letter: Advice to the City Council

While appreciative of our Willmar City Councilmen and their sacrifices of time and energy, I will harbor record disappointment in those responsible if rumors of an imminent attempt to sack City Administrator Charlene Stevens are true.
That move would be at odds with their professed frugality, resulting in another expensive breach of contract lawsuit. Afterwards, only a nutcase would want to come in and work with this council - certainly not anyone good enough to land elsewhere!
This council could use frequent recitation of The Serenity Prayer: “Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the [wisdom] to know the difference.” To which should be added, “and disinclination to change things which ought not be changed simply because I’m able.”
Second, each might look in the mirror, inquiring what might be improved in himself - be it in the acquisition of knowledge, the exercise of empathy and restraint, the search for small, innovative, ameliorative offerings. The only certain and efficacious way of improving the world is to start by improving ourselves. Lead by example.
Third, practice the Christianity you preach. Don’t obsess over the speck in the other’s eye until you pluck the beam from your own. Comfort the afflicted. If you are uncomfortable with accepting our newest residents, remind yourselves that Jesus would likely ask that we do far more to welcome and assist them than we currently do.
Fourth, how about applying basic, positive business psychology to get the best cooperation and performance from city employees?
Finally, don’t blame Charlene for changes to this community which were far less her making than your own. Many of you and your constituents lament, as do I, that Willmar has lost much of what it was and had 50 years ago. Be mindful, however, that most of that loss was the work of “community leaders,” and of their and our pursuit of the almighty dollar - that, and circumstances well beyond local control. Charlene is merely trying to make the best of the new “facts on the ground,” as well she should, and as you should also.
Fred Cogelow
Willmar