Memorial Day

NEVER FORGOTTEN

The only words necessary on Memorial Day are THANK YOU to those that have served our country. 

I attended two Memorial Day functions today.  The first was at the American Legion Stitt Post in Dearborn Heights.  I am proud to say that I am a member of the Sons of the American Legion.  You will not find any truer and loyal Americans than those at that American Legion.  Afterwards,  I attended the Memorial Mass at St. Hedwig’s Cemetery.

“These heroes are dead. They died for liberty – they died for us. They are at rest. They sleep in the land they made free, under the flag they rendered stainless, under the solemn pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows, and the embracing vines. They sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, careless alike of sunshine or of storm, each in the windowless Place of Rest. Earth may run red with other wars – they are at peace. In the midst of battle, in the roar of conflict, they found the serenity of death. I have one sentiment for soldiers living and dead: cheers for the living; tears for the dead.”— Robert G. Ingersoll

WORDS TO LIVE BY

I love quotes and sayings.  I spend alot of time looking up quotes which are inspirational or thought provoking.  Please ponder this one.  I try to live by these thoughts. Please take some time to get to know me.

It takes years to build up trust, but only seconds to destroy it.
You can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes.
After that you'd better know something.
Don't compare yourself to the best others can do,
But to the best you can do.
It's not what happens to people that's important.
It's what they do about it.
Always leave loved ones with loving words.
It may be the last time you see them.
You control your attitude or it controls you.
It isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
Your background and circumstances may have influenced who you are,
But you are responsible for who you become.
Even if you do the right thing for the wrong reason,
It's still the wrong thing to do.--Anonymous

C'MON IN AND HAVE A CUP OF COFFEE

My wife and I have recently become the subject of slurs, hate and lies which is very disappointing.   I am a person of Polish decent.  We are a proud people, honest people, and hardworking people.  We were brought up with little but taught to share what we have with others.  Never would you come into our home and not be offered food or drink.  This is the way we are, real people, decent people.  I have invited many to come into City Hall, say hello and have a cup of coffee.  Of this I am proud.  It is through hospitality and kindness that people can understand each other, enjoy each others company and get know each other.  My genuine offer of friendship is being misconstrued by a few people as "campaigning on city time".  I am not a politician and everything I do and say is ABSOLUTELY NOT with the thought of whether it will get me a vote or not.  So, now I am being called Mr. Coffee (which is amusing to me).  However, many other small minded and vulgar things that are being said are not amusing. 

I am accused many things, but no one yet has accused me of being on the job at 7:30 a.m, going home only to take a shower, going to a memorial at the Police Department (one of only two City Officials who attended), coming back for a council meeting that lasted until nearly 11:00 p.m that evening. This was nearly a 16 hour day.  There is no mention that although the Clerk’s office has had a staffing reduction of 25% and every person in the office is new and we all have to learn so many new things; the service has not suffered one iota.

These critics fail to mention that the Clerk’s Office is an upbeat, friendly place to come where our team realizes that the citizens are our customers and they are treated with friendliness and respect.  Please know that I am not used to swimming with sharks.  I have been a working man all my life.  I worked for over 30 years and retired from a job just like you or your parents.  I have never run for a political office in my life but I know that my work experience, on the job experience and resume makes me the best qualified candidate for the office of Dearborn Heights City Clerk.

C'MON IN, THE COFFEE IS ON.

Thank you to our Police and Firefighters

Yesterday I attended a very touching memorial for the late Cpl. Jason Makowski.  Cpl Makowski sacrificed his life five years ago while protecting the citizens of Dearborn Heights.  The incident happened around the block from me and I remember that day vividly.  A thank you to all the members of our police and fire departments and their families are in order.  They are special people who answer the call of duty, never knowing what they are getting into.  Nothing for them is routine or mundane.  Thanks to all who serve our citizens. 

Our Children, Our Youth

This past week at City Hall we had some very honored guests tour the building¸ a group of students from St. Linus grade school.  It was delightful to see these children and speak to them about the workings of the clerk’s office and voting procedures.  They were a very attentive group and asked some astute questions for grade schoolers.  We need to get our young people involved in the governmental process.  I will be speaking tomorrow to a group of Crestwood  High School seniors about the importance of voting.  We as an electorate need to take a real part in our governmental process.  Far too often people don’t go to the polls and vote, please be involved in the upcoming election.  Study the candidates, the backgrounds, the resumes, then you will get a true barometer of who you are electing.  Don’t listen to rumors or innuendos, talk to the candidates.  Have you ever seen a candidate not willing to talk? I look forward to talking to you.i

MISSION STATEMENT FROM YOUR CITY CLERK

A Happy Employee is a Productive Employee
                                                            

by Bill Swanson

Have fun at what you do. It will be reflected in your work. No one likes a grump except another grump! We all spend plenty of hours at work. It's much more pleasant to spend those hours with people who have a bounce in their step and a smile on their face than with those who mistakenly associate professionalism with a dour disposition. I don't like being around depressing people because they make me depressed. The best managers give of themselves by having fun at what they do. "Research shows that when people are in a good mood at work, it builds emotional capital and enhances productivity," "The art of leadership is getting work done well through other people, and laughing together is one of the best ways to do that."

Our promise to you from the City Clerk's office is that you will always be treated in a courteous and friendly manner by our team of myself, Eve and Michelle.   We know  that you are our customer and it is our job to serve you.