It is in difficult times we identify the best mayors. In good times, it is much more complicated to find out which person is an outstanding executive, since everything tends to show strong figures. It is my belief an outstanding mayor should gather, among others, the following skills:

• Humility: Managing a city is a complex mission and nobody can achieve a great performance alone. Therefore a mayor needs to structure their organization optimally and find the right people for each strategic position.

• Vision: the most important key role of a mayor consists of defining a relevant strategy, communicating it appropriately at each level of the hierarchy and delegating optimally the implementation of corresponding actions.

• Focus: means being determined to achieve long-term objectives. A high level of reactivity is necessary when parameters influence a business model and become very volatile.

In summary, a good mayor should be at least a great visionary, demonstrating outstanding skills at finding the best people and appointing them where they can bring the highest value for the city. In addition, a good mayor should demonstrate a strong ability to articulate logically a strategy and to communicate it appropriately. Finally, a good mayor should keep a strong focus on established plans and long term objectives.

I truly believe Mayor Pete Lewis is such a mayor and it is time for all of Auburn to gather and support the reelection of Mayor Pete Lewis.

Ron Copple