Letter to the Editor: Time to give opportunity to new leaders or go with familiar name because it’s safe?

What is the value of experience? The ability to say you’ve “been there” and “done that”?

When hiring, many would say they place more value in a candidate’s experience than their education, certification or any other qualifications. It’s because there is a belief that a person has gained the wisdom and insight that comes from doing the job, falling on their face a few times, and learning some hard-fought lessons.

In the world of elected officials, it is part of why it is so difficult to unseat an incumbent. Generally speaking, you expect that person to leverage that experience toward a more streamlined and efficient government. It is also a case of “the devil you know” versus the fear of the unknown that everyone loves to
stoke.

But at what point does the benefit of experience begin to provide diminishing returns? When does a person surpass the benefit of their experience to prove they have only gotten better at being a politician, rather than using their experience for the greater good? When is the goal of re-election not about what is best for the people but what is best for one person’s ego?

We all watch national politics and bemoan the circus of lifetime politicians. We collectively roll our eyes as career representatives stand firm on maintaining their power years after their effectiveness and relevancy have sailed. Yet locally we seem to be OK with being represented by the same person for decades.

I truly appreciate the service of anyone willing to put themselves forward to represent their community, but can you really tell me that our community is best served by having the same representation for almost 25 years? I would imagine that person would have to be a shining example, a pillar of the community and not a disgraced narcissist hoping everyone has a short memory.

I read the article on the six candidates running for Park Board and was impressed to see the caliber of people seeking to represent this community at large — people who are invested in this community, people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, people who care about this community and want to see it thrive.

Is it time to give an opportunity to new leaders or just go with the familiar name because you think it’s safe? Do they represent you? Do they represent your family? Do they represent your values?

I’m not here to throw any political weight behind a given candidate. The beauty of the Park Board is that it is nonpartisan, so this isn’t a R/D issue.

I am here to simply ask the question: Is the “devil you know” really better than the unknown?

Trent Lyons
Quincy, Illinois