Visionary
Leaders needed
By Dwayne Hunn
Forty years ago, the United States was so productive that
America felt compelled to rebuild most of Europe and Asia so that nations there
could recover from war and be profitable enough to buy our goods. Today, our
trade deficit, rather than our productivity, sets world records. Once our
educational system stood out for the world to emulate. We proudly proclaimed
bow ready our youth were to face the world’s challenges. Today, we look to copy
not only other nations’ production techniques, but also how they teach and mold
their young. The proud inflection of the “Can-do nations!” now leaves many with
the hollow sound of the “Can-do-nation?”
For many of us living and working at the local level, these
national and international issues seem too large to handle. Many who read and
think about these issues may be upset that America has been slipping, but if we
don’t feel our local efforts have an impact on national and international
issues, we only cringe and go on with life.
We seem to have forgotten the roots of America’s democratic and
economic structure. We have forgotten that local politics is the source of
America’s strength and long-term resiliency.
Just consider the long-term effect of an actual Marin local
government decision, as it is played out numerous times throughout one of the
richest counties of America.
A Novato developer wants to build a significant number of
affordable housing units so that a better jobs/housing balance can help reduce
freeway gridlock. The developer is blocked because the neighbors oppose the
density, or question the fumes from parking cars in the neighborhood, or
distrust the “low income” people who will reside there. The neighbors win. Does
their victory serve Marin and Sonoma? Does it bring America closer to
energy self-sufficiency? Does it allow commuters to use their wasted commute
time for skill-building, educational enrichment, or more quality time with
their families?
Each time one of those projects fails or is delayed
interminably, all of £he following happen:
• The extended commute to
Sonoma, Napa, etc., increases the pollutants in the air our children must
breathe.
• America’s reliance on
expensive imported fuels increases as does the national debt we pass on to the
young.
• The percentage of
household income that goes to housing and transit climbs while the money and
time available for skill, education and family time declines proportionally.
Marin has one of the higher percentages of single-parent
households in the nation. Thirteen percent of Novato’s households are run by
single parents whose median income is $15,676. These households desperately
need affordable housing in Marin. Are local officials aware of how their decisions
on issues like parks, child care centers and affordable housing have an impact
on these important parents and children? Are they aware of how their decisions
form the foundation of a strong America, whose core is a secure family, or a
shaky America, whose footing teeters over a troubled family?
In an increasingly
competitive world, enlightened leadership requires much more than concern about
one’s neighborhood or high-sounding speeches about what ‘America’s’ world role
should be. Visionary local officials must make decisions that reflect concern
about the long-term strength of this nation. Patriotic local leaders must weigh
each of their decisions in terms of how they help prepare those of lower and
middle incomes in Marin to compete among the 5 billion who now inhabit the
increasingly interdependent nations of Planet Earth.
It is more difficult for local leaders to avoid the immediate
consequences of their decision than it is for those cushioned by the miles to
Washington, D.C. Therefore, it is often easier for local leaders to follow the
desires of vocal advocates of self interest. Too many local leaders fail to
recognize that a constituency larger than neighborhood groups ends their
leadership, namely —the children of tomorrow, single parents, the American
family structure, and all of us negatively affected by our nation’s declining
competitive capacity and increasing trade deficit.
Leadership isn’t easy. It is difficult to lead because in order
to lead without too much pain the education of those led’ must move in step.
Christ exemplified the pain of leadership out of sync with- the masses.
Churchill learned how tortuous trying to educate others to lead can be, as he
tried to mobilize his lethargic peers to action.
Far-sighted leadership for the common good is difficult. For
America to grow strong, however, more courage an& vision and less parochial
and petty rationalization must go into local decision making.
Dwayne Hunn, a former Peace Corps volunteer, has a Ph.D. in Public
Finance & Administration and has taught at the college level in Southern
California.