Letter: Bowen has the qualities we need in a mayor to move us forward

I call Sumter home for a variety of reasons, none more important than the folks in "OUR" city. I use the word OUR because a city reflects the attributes of the citizens residing, working in the same ... good and, yes, even not so!

Some live and work in OUR city. Others become involved in OUR city. Many of those same folks act to serve more than others, which is OK as this volunteerism and sense of service effectively makes OUR city run efficiently!

One of the very first Sumter citizens I met is a candidate for Sumter mayor, Ms. Debbie Bowen. (Affectionately known as D-Bow to my family members!)

D-Bow has called Sumter home for 40-plus years and exhibits qualities necessary to maintain OUR city's current status and elevate Sumter to new heights ... qualities necessary to accomplish this are not new to D-Bow. She's exhibited the qualities of genteelness to friend, foe, in business and in play her entire life. Ms. Bowen, I want you to know you are a more qualified person to run OUR city for the following traits and because you wish to serve OUR city!

Honesty - Sometimes is difficult because it makes individuals vulnerable. Honesty develops character and builds credibility and trust, which are the foundations to evoke respect and confidence from those in OUR city, especially in the case of political leaders, teammates and constituents.

Compassion - While many see compassion as a weakness, true compassion has the ability to convert knowledge to wisdom. Prominent political leaders use compassion to realize the needs of those they lead and to determine and deliver the course of action of the greatest benefit to all involved.

Integrity - Defined as "the adherence to moral and ethical principles; the soundness of moral character." Leaders who possess integrity can be trusted because they never veer from inner values, even when it might benefit them to do so. A leader must have the trust of followers, resulting in the highest standard of integrity.

Confidence - Having confidence in a political leader is about having faith or belief that he or she will act in a right, proper or effective way. Good political leaders must be confident in their ability to lead. Leaders who possess confidence inspire others, drawing on a level of trust that triggers the motivation to get others on board and get the job done.

Flexibility - Understanding the give-and-take aspects of politics and the ability to find the common ground. A good mayor will listen carefully to all sides, to hear not only their respective arguments, but to learn what it will take on behalf of all parties involved to reach unanimity. Flexibility allows political leaders to recognize setbacks and criticism, to learn from them and move forward.

Great people and politicians have all of the above qualities - and even more. D-BOW aspires to respect different views, analyze problems and identify the best solutions - not based on loyalty to political party, but rather based on what is good and right and decent in the best interest of OUR city as a society.

We love you for who you are!

DONALD B BUSBICE

Sumter

R/DBB

DONALD B. BUSBICE

Director, Garrison Safety

U.S. Army Garrison | USAG Safety

Fort Leonard Wood| MO