Rick Tryon – Post-Election Thoughts
First of all, I want to extend a big “Thanks” to each and every local voter who trusted me to represent our grassroots movement for change for a greater Great Falls. We did it.
I didn’t have my own agenda during the campaign, I don’t have one now, and I won’t carry one in with me when I’m sworn in after the first of the year. I’m not going to represent any special interest group or organization, I don’t have any pet projects, and I’m not going to focus on one “special” part of town or neighborhood.
My priorities are your priorities. And you made it clear during the campaign and at the ballot box that your concerns are the following:
- Better jobs and more opportunities for ALL of our citizens.
- Safe kids and neighborhoods.
- An honest, transparent city government that’s responsive to The People.
You, the citizens of Great Falls, are the boss. Period.
I’m happy we won but I’m not celebrating right now. We’ll get around to that once we see significant results for Great Falls and a reason for ALL of us to celebrate the change YOU asked for.
That change is not going to happen because of me, it’s only going to happen because we’re ALL in it together.
It has been suggested that I “tone it down”. Nope, not going to happen. Why should we mute our voices and sacrifice the chance to start living up to our potential in Great Falls?
I will work together with anyone for the common good of our wonderful community, but there are a couple of stipulations:
First, I’m not going to “work together” with anyone to maintain the status quo or keep things just the way they are for a privileged few. We need to change directions and try some different approaches here in Great Falls.
Second, working together has to be based on the standard of absolute honesty. If our public officials are lying to the public or engaging in unethical behavior here or if they think that self-serving conflicts of interest should be overlooked, not only will I not “work together” with them but I will blow the alarm so loud and clear that folks will think the rapture is about to happen.
It has also been mentioned that I should distance myself from this blog because it is too “controversial”. That’s not going to happen either.
I don’t agree with everything on E-City Beat, but I am not going to squander an opportunity for two-way communication with ANY segment of our population on a platform just because there may be controversy or uncomfortable truths contained therein.
Bottom line – there’s a time to sing “Kumbaya” and a time to sing “We Will Rock You”. Judging by this election and the voices of the citizens, I think Great Falls is wanting some Queen.
Stay tuned, everyone. Be ready to rally, show up, speak up, and stand up.
Many thanks to E-City Beat for allowing me this opportunity to share some thoughts.
