The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

It's Great To Be Heard

by Dessa Rodeffer
Quill Editor/Publisher

27 October 1999

It is so good to know that the people we have selected to run our villages, to run our schools, and our various offices are considering the opinions of those who put them in charge.

In other words, it is great to be heard.

In last week's Quill, letters to the Editor voiced concern about the Village of Stronghurst's choice of time for Trick and Treaters.

Several had phoned board members, and some of the elementary and junior high students were trying to get petitions circulating to present to the board.

Board members had selected a time for Sunday during daylight hours, feeling this would avoid some conflicts, but after realizing the residents and especially the children wanted it to be dark outside when they wore their costumes, the board called The Quill to put in a later time for Trick and Treaters.

So many times, boards will make a decision and then feel changing your mind later is an act of weakness.

What I have always learned is "Wise men change their minds. Fools never do."

I had forgotten myself just how much children look forward to the spooky atmosphere of Halloween. And, I was surprised how a decision like the board had made of getting candy in the daytime, might upset the young kids.

When my daughter read the times for trick and treat to my 7 year old grandson who is in 2nd grade, he started giggling, she said.

Then his giggling turned into crying, she said, and he asked his mother what kind of fun it would be to trick and treat in his outfit in the daylight.

He was so excited to hear that trick and treat time has been moved to 5 to 7 p.m. rather than 3 to 5 p.m.

Sometimes I have seen parents make rules as well as school and city boards that cause some unrest that was not anticipated. Sometimes, a dominate parent or board will not budge on the issue, because they feel it is all about control rather than fairness.

But a democracy is what makes this country what it is. It's a place where the people are out from under that tight control and now have a voice in their government.

Too much control where people are not heard can end in rebellion. It happens not only in villages and countries, but it also happens inside our families.

Where people have a say in the rules that control them, they are more apt to abide by them, but when they do not and the situation affects the person's life directly, watch out.

Most of us like to talk to someone who will listen to us. When we have found that person, that is the one we will go to again and again.

If we think back over the ages, you will note certain people in your lives who you admired because they took time to listen and to hear you out before they make their decisions or suggestions.

This is important in almost everything. Like your doctor, your lawyer, your hairdresser, your spouse, your children, your parents, as well as the governmental agencies

When they will listen to your concerns, your feelings on the matter and take all into consideration before making a decision, we feel we have been heard. I salute the Stronghurst Board for listening and caring enough to make a change.