AAC Seize
SEEMS TO ME ... Continued From Page 21 <<<
— we would carpe diem! Carpe diem is a phrase from a Latin poem by Quintus Hora-
tius Flaccus, more widely known as Horace, which has become an aphorism. Te concise statement of principle in that Latin phrase is “seize the day.” Te underlying concept is we should live in and enjoy the present, and one should not leave to chance future happenings. Rather one should do all one can today to make one’s future better.
In other words, as leaders in govern-
ment we should use our intellectual capacity to contemplate and plan for the future. Tat is part and parcel in seizing the day. My message is at least two-fold: • Don’t get caught up in the annoying use of “politically cor-
rect” terminology. Just say what you mean and mean what you say — always being considerate of others views and feelings. Almost anything can be said in a direct and plain manner as long as you use a little skill and grace. Civility goes a long way in getting your point across to others. • If you must embrace some “politically correct” term, try
our taken-out-of-its-politically-correct-context term “pres- sure-prompted.” Even when it becomes easier to try to maintain the status quo, continue to put pressure on yourself to stay on the forefront of strategy and good government. We should not wait for outside forces to cause us to be “pressure-prompted.” We can more ef- fectively control our own destiny, increase public value and ful- fill our mission of public service when we move forward on our own terms. Choose to be pressure-prompted, but choose your own pressures before your pressures are chosen for you. Tings do change whether we like it or not. No doubt we will see some of that in the 2019 legislative session. We should no longer be sweeping dirt floors. Tat time has passed. I be- lieve leadership for solving the big stuff can be found in state and county government officials. Let’s throw away the brooms, quit sweeping dirt floors, bring in the lumber and build some new floors. Seize the day!
DeShields celebrates 30 years of county government service
waiting to surprise her. DeShields has spent her entire career in the circuit clerk’s office. She began as a criminal court deputy, and then was promoted to chief deputy, a position she held for 13 years before running for circuit clerk. Never one to seek attention, DeShields seemed genuinely surprised when she was led into the courtroom. She spoke about some of her early experiences in the circuit clerk’s office and the changes she has seen — new technology such as imaging and e-recording. Ten the party moved into a breakroom, where everyone enjoyed cake and punch.
I
Above: Benton County Circuit Clerk and AAC Board member Brenda DeShields recently celebrated 30 years of service in county government. Her staff planned and executed a surprise party for DeShields on Sept. 26, 2018. Right: Members of DeShields’ staff clap when she accepts a token of recognition for her three decades in the circuit clerk’s office.
22 COUNTY LINES, FALL 2018
t was the afternoon, and Benton County Circuit Clerk Brenda DeShields wondered why no one had mentioned her 30th anniversary in county government on Sept. 26, 2018. Little did she know her staff, family, friends and other Benton County officials were hiding in a courtroom
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