COMMUNITY PULSE | Letter

Dear Editor: As you (may) know, I have been active in the local business community for several years. I have also been a resident of Blue Springs, and I have been active in a number of civic groups, fundraisers, charities and citizen action groups. I have always been motivated by the many opportunities that exist to make our city a better community for its people and for its future. I am convinced that a strong local economy, a balance of commercial and residential development, the united effort of businesses and individuals, and cooperation between civic, private and public leadership will raise the quality of living in our town. I am confounded by local leaders who cast negativity at every opportunity, who offer criticism without participating in positive solutions and who attempt to throw obstacles in the way of progress for the sake of voting "no." We all need to support local leaders with vision to get beyond being a sleepy bedroom community that is satisfied with single-family housing development and fast food restaurants. We need leadership in our community that will streamline our government processes, modernize our approach to business and development, facilitate cooperation between our elected officials, city staff and the business community, and unify these groups in their goals and vision. We need fresh ideas and attitude, professionalism and results-oriented leadership in Blue Springs. I am writing because I want to see our community prosper - and I am supporting Jeanie Lauer in her race for District 1 City Council to help make that happen. Jeanie is a local entrepreneur. She owns her own management consultant business and has worked with Fortune 500 companies as well as "mom-and-pop" businesses to help them develop business processes, streamline procedures and develop leaders within their organizations. Wow - does that sound like what we need in our city government. Jeanie has proven her commitment to helping improve our community by serving on city commissions and co-chairing "Renew the Blue," our citizen-driven visioning process, and she is currently co-chairing the implementation phase of Renew the Blue to see through the process of those visions becoming reality. For her outstanding efforts and commitment, Jeanie was awarded the 2007 "Outstanding Civic Leader for Blue Springs" award. Please take the time to read about Jeanie, her accomplishments and her vision for the community at www.jeanielauer.com. Also through the Web site, you can contact the campaign about getting a sign, volunteering, contributing or otherwise helping with Jeanie's grassroots campaign. I have had the pleasure of working with Jeanie through Renew the Blue and a number of community activities. Jeanie Lauer has the vision for positive change for Blue Springs, and she is the proven professional leader this community needs. I am asking you to support Jeanie's campaign for District 1 City Council to make a positive difference in our city government and in our community. Please take an opportunity to meet Jeanie Lauer and find out more about what you can do to help make a difference in our city government.Bill EssmannBlue Springs