The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Take Time to Enjoy A Meeting

by Dessa Rodeffer
Quill Editor/Publisher

Public meetings, don't you love them?

Not: you say.

Much is to be gained by calling a forum and sitting down and talking over pressing issues. Most of us, if asked to list the top hundred things you like to do would ever list, "attend a meeting."

We might list go to college or take a class, but never, attend a meeting.

But, last night at La Harpe Ambulance's Dual Response meeting, I came away refreshed with the good things that were brought to light in their public meeting.

A lot of rumors were floating around. You know the type.

Someone, a very good source, mind you, says, "I know this to be true, and then they precede to tell you the gospel truth about an incident."

The trouble is, what isn't being said is the rest of the story and there always is more to the story that we don't know, and many times it is the part that puts everything into proper perspective.

At the La Harpe Dual Response meeting, several found out just how the 911 procedures are governed. Most of us didn't know they were approved by the Illinois Dept. of Health and that a designated hospital with all the proper offerings would be in charge of implementing, and governing the program.

You really learned about the strong feelings and dedication of the local ambulance force as well as the ones from the neighboring hospitals, and the governing board.

There seem to be no bad guys in this organization but all have a genuine desire to serve at their best. And to do that, the key is to keep communicating, keep holding those meetings, and get-togethers.

Although, I didn't have going to a meeting on the top of my want to do list, I did go away with a very good feeling about a community of people that care enough, to be willing to give up a night of watching the Millionaire or college basketball to help understand the ambulance service's role better.

There is no show on TV that can give one the good feelings that these dedicated people give.

With Tuesday's April 3rd Consolidated Election coming up, it reminds me of other rumors that float around, and that is rumors about the candidates.

I am hoping that again, communication is the key. Serving the school board, village board, or any county position in our small counties are not being done because it is making someone rich and famous.

It is my hope that we ask questions, that we talk about the issues, and then select the candidates who we feel will best represent our cause.

Don't believe everything you hear, and don't believe everything you read in the paper for that matter.

Many times a story is being written by only what we are told or by one person's perspective. There is always more.

It is hoped that you read articles in the paper to make you aware of the issues and to continue to ask questions yourself.

If you read a story, for instance, where one says they were mistreated because they were ethnic, find out the rest of the story and see if they followed proper procedures, or if there is more to the problem.

If you hear someone is running because they have an axe to grind, check it out to see if it is true.

In other words, attend a few public meetings, like your school board or village board, county board, even library and ambulance. You might be surprised at your change in outlook.