Politics is a necessary evil in our society but it is the people who can truly make a difference in life.

Lyons Illinois has plenty of politics but what it really needs is a resurgence of community spirit and service.

A new administration brings hope for the future and bitterness for the losers. It does not need to be that way. Everyone, for the most part, who engages in the issues by running for office or participating in the community, does so for the best of reasons. Let us remember that and build upon that.

Chris Getty is a young man who is to embark on a journey that will change his life and maybe those of the Village. Give him a chance. Let us not sit by and watch how he does by cheering his successes or bemoaning his failures – that’s what baseball fans do. Residents and property owners have a stake in the Village – the team. We can help manage the current situation by proposing ideals and with offers of assistance.

This is not the time for “I told you so” types who like to appear smarter by providing simple commentary. This is the time for those who want to challenge the Village leaders into action with viable and sustainable solutions.

It’s funny, from my perspective anyway, that most people know what they would like to see done in Lyons and have a vision on how the community can return to a great place in which to live and raise a family. What is lacking is the courage to stand up and propose a solution. I understand that when one does so in Lyons they are more than likely to be criticized by those who think that one’s action can only be a derivative of self-motivated ambition.

Can’t we agree on this form that the ambition is to improve the Village of Lyons and nothing more? I hope so.

My family has been in Lyons for as long as I can remember. We have had our ups-and-downs. That’s why I love the place. Lyons is not an enclave of upper-class socialites. It is a community of normal hard working Americans who experience the beast and worst life has to offer. There is no reason to be ashamed of that.

Judge for and from today.

I look forward to your comments and suggestions and will offer my assistance by researching and writing your proposals in a form of an ordinance that can later be presented by you to the Village board for action.