Every February, our nation celebrates Presidents Day, honoring George Washington and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays on Feb. 22 and Feb. 12, respectively. For my family, these days hold even more meaning as my wife shares a birthday with Washington, and I share a birthday with Lincoln. These shared birthdays provide a chance to celebrate and reflect on the influence that both of these leaders have had in fighting for and shaping the ideals of our great nation.
Look at the legacy of Lincoln. He led during a time of immense division, a period marked by deep-seated disagreements and violent conflict. Yet, even in the face of such adversity, he demonstrated a remarkable capacity for empathy and understanding. He recognized the humanity in his opponents, even as he steadfastly defended his principles.
He embodied virtues that transcend time and political landscapes, virtues that are as relevant today as they were during the tumultuous era in which he lived. The 16th President of the United States possessed qualities I deeply admire and hope to exhibit myself as your mayor – honesty, empathy, humility, perseverance, courage and vision. These are all key ingredients to intentional, effective leadership.
Lincoln once said, “a day spent helping no one but yourself is a day wasted.” I believe he was a servant leader who knew his purpose was to make a positive difference in the lives of others. He understood that true leadership is not about personal gain, it is about making a tangible difference in the lives of others. It is a philosophy I strive to emulate in my daily work for our community. My focus, and the focus of our city government, must be on serving the needs of our residents, working collaboratively to build a better future for everyone.
[Lincoln] recognized the humanity in his opponents, even as he steadfastly defended his principles.
Achieving this vision requires more than just policies and programs. It requires a commitment from each of us to treat one another with respect and kindness, to engage in civil discourse and to work together to build a community where everyone can thrive. Civility fosters understanding, builds bridges and creates an environment where collaboration and progress are possible. It allows us to engage in productive dialogue, to find common ground and to work together to solve the challenges facing our community. Without civility, our discourse becomes fractured, our relationships strained and our ability to work together diminished.
Civility isn’t about agreeing on everything. It is about engaging in respectful discourse, even when we hold differing views. It is about listening to understand, rather than listening to respond. It is about recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their background or beliefs.
In a world that often seems increasingly polarized, the practice of civility is more important than ever. And one of the most powerful ways we can lead is by demonstrating civility in our interactions with others.
As we celebrate Presidents Day, let us remember that leadership is not confined to the halls of power. It resides in each of us. We all have the potential to be leaders in our own communities, in our workplaces, in our families. Let us commit to fostering a respectful and inclusive community, where each voice is heard, and every individual is valued. Let us strive to emulate the qualities of leadership that Lincoln embodied.
This is my leadership commitment to you. It is how together we will make Colorado Springs a safe, economically prosperous, culturally rich, welcoming and vibrant world-class American city on a hill that shines brightly!
We are Colorado Springs.
Onward and upward!
