Focus on the Good Things

When so many people focus on what goes wrong, it is great when people notice when you do things right.

Today was great, and not just because the weather was the perfect Richland County spring day.  I went to two festivals (Eau Claire and Hopkins) and a neighborhood block party (Columbia) where I met and talked to more than 1,200 people.  I get to go to dozens of community meetings every week, and at this time of year there are so many places for people to enjoy the outdoors with family, neighbors and friends.  Getting out in the community to spread the word about what we do, and how we can help people, is the best part of my job.

But today was special because I had at least a two dozen people come to me and say almost identical things.  They said: “David you’re the only person who helps us when we have problems and we’re gonna’ work for you because your office is the only one that does things right.”

There are hundreds of people who come to me each year when they can’t get assistance from other county or state offices, and we are able to help them when no one else will.  You’ll be hearing their stories over the next several weeks.  But for now, it is just so great to hear that what we do every day really has a positive impact on our community.  And, I thank you for the opportunity to serve you!