Leadership Today

We need a Clear Vision for Charles County Maryland

Jim H. Thompson

Our Charles County Commissioners bailed out the Club House and the Stadium. Then they bought themselves SUVs and gas on your tax dollars.

Committee forming NOW 2009

People come and go but there are only three things that are here to stay, land, water and air.

During my last campaign, many people asked me to tell my personal story.

My Story.

I have always talked about myself in the context of places I have been and people I have met. This does not explain who I am.

I read somewhere that your personality is shaped by the time you are twelve. This is the time that I realized who I was as an individual.

My first experience as a leader was in Boy Scouts. No, I was not the youngest Eagle Scout in my troop. I was a Patrol Leader in one of the largest troops in New Mexico.There were plenty of other boys to choose from. This is why it is interesting.

I was elected by my peers. The adult troop leaders had an issue with this. I was only a Second Class scout. All the other members of my patrol out ranked me except one. The boys knew I could get the job done and they were willing to follow me.

I learned a simple truth about myself. I cared nothing about rank and badges. These are material things. I have always been underestimated because I have shunned titles and awards. I have always assumed more responsibilities than my peers. Doing is more important than wearing a shirt and tie.

The way I look at life, is that when you have a decision to make you only have two choices. You either do something or you do not. If you do not decide, events will decide for you.

This frame of mind has given me a perspective and clarity of purpose. I have an uncluttered view of issues and a directness to resolve problems. When you remove personal wants from an issue the issue is simplified.

Leadership is doing what needs to be done verses what people want for their personal gain. This is not a path to popularity. If I am lucky after I am dead and gone, maybe someone will say I did the right thing.