SEELEY LAKE - Recent events have spawned a great deal of discussion around our community. Healthy debate and volunteer involvement have long been staples of Seeley Lake. There are real dangers when negativity creeps into public discourse.
First, it sends a bad message to anyone wishing to invest in Seeley Lake. That investment could range from buying a house, starting a business or even funding a sewer system. Words matter and you never know who is watching what we are doing.
A good example is the foundation that gave the sewer district $500,000 toward a sewer system. It wasn’t community negativity that caught their attention, it was our “can do” attitude and folks rolling up their sleeves and working together for the common good.
Secondly, negativity tends to winnow the field of willing volunteers. Why would anyone choose to volunteer if attempted public shaming is a likely outcome? One does not have to look very hard to see all the great things accomplished by volunteers in and around Seeley Lake. We need to promote it, not dampen it.
Finally, we need fresh ideas and a willingness to try new things. Not all of them will be successful, or they may need some adjustment along the way to become successful. Humans make mistakes but doing nothing is usually a far greater mistake than taking a risk and thinking big.
It was 28 years ago when a handful of us mused how nice it would be to not have to drive to Missoula, or farther, to play golf. While we made some mistakes along the way, there is a beautiful golf course here as a result. Negativity tends to quash creativity.
I served nine years on the Seeley Lake Elementary school board. We did not have an energetic administrative staff, willing and excited about trying new things. Our teachers were not gathering state and national awards. Our school was not named as one of the top employers in the country by Outdoor magazine. Truthfully, I am bit envious of the current board and the success Seeley Lake Elementary enjoys today.
To all involved, thank you, keep up the good work, learn from mistakes and keep aiming higher. Our community is better due to your efforts. It is up to the community to help you become even better.
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