Beth Gottstein - Keeping Focus, Staying in Touch

Despite my two most recent posts grumbling about politicians, or perhaps because of them, I want to give a little credit where credit is due. This morning, I received yet another one of Beth Gottstein's updates, filled with meeting dates and opportunities to get involved in the hard and important work of local government.

I lack the html talent to post the entire newsletter here, but allow me to quote two paragraphs from her opening note:

The City Hall news stories drain attention, emotion and resources from the matters which should dictate our absolute mandate. Significant budget deficits, accelerated unemployment rates and spiraling crime numbers are just a few of the factors that have compelled me to ignore the internal matters of the hour, and direct my efforts to analysis, policy and strategy which strengthens our potential, builds on our resources, and ensures that we head off a crisis.

The headlines about City Hall are frustrating, but do not divert my commitment to Kansas Citians. I was elected to serve Kansas Citians. We have a great deal of work to do and even more to achieve. My focus remains tightly bound to the matters which charged me to run: City budget, workforce development, responsible economic growth and public safety.

I was a big fan of Beth Gottstein when she ran for her seat, and I knew that she would be hard-working, determined, and studious. My unvoiced fear, though, was that her passion for the City would lead her to get over-involved in the student-council drama and gossip of City Council politics.

I am thrilled to see her newsletter coming out in the midst of the city's silliest season, focusing on real issues and real work. While her fellow council members are caught up in dramatic press conferences and trying to decide who may and may not play in their games, Beth wants to talk about City budget, workforce development, responsible economic growth and public safety.

What a concept!!

Keep up the good work, Councilwoman Gottstein! It must be lonely sometimes to be an adult on the playground, but those of us who prefer watching "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" to "Peyton Place" appreciate your work.

(If you want to receive a monthly dose of city sanity, email Councilwoman Gottstein - beth_gottstein[AT Symbol]kcmo.org - and ask to be put on her mailing list.)