Craig’s Corner December 2021

A Season of Thanksgiving – I’m Thankful for YOU!

Thanksgiving is always one of my favorite times of the year.  The weather begins to hint that winter will soon be here, and for those of us in the mountainous areas of the state, it means that snowy days are not too far away as well.  I also enjoy the food and fellowship that the holiday brings – and the fact that Santa Claus’ arrival is only a few weeks away!

I hope you were able to spend time with those you hold dear over the Thanksgiving holiday, and that you were blessed with good health and lots of wonderful food.  As I’ve mentioned in earlier columns, this year has been extremely challenging for many of us, both personally and professionally.  Some have lost family and loved ones during the past year, while others are dealing with health issues or family challenges.  I don’t know a single local government professional who feels that 2021 has been easier from a work perspective than 2020 … the myriad of challenges that many of you deal with on a daily basis certainly contributes to fatigue and burnout.

Despite all the challenges and issues that we have faced in 2021, there is one area that I am extremely thankful for, and that is for the dedication and service that each of you provide to your communities in your various roles.  Virginia’s localities are recognized as some of the best run local governments in the country, and that is in no small part due to the hard work and commitment that you exhibit each day in your jurisdictions.  As President of our state organization, I get to witness firsthand the leadership that many of you provide on VLGMA’s committees, and the passion that you have for seeing that VLGMA is the best it can be.

I want to challenge you to consider being more active and involved with VLGMA in the months ahead.  Our organization is strong, but there are always areas that we can improve, and YOUR voice is needed to ensure that we are focused on the areas that are most beneficial for you.  Also, in the months ahead I want to focus efforts on engaging the younger members of our profession.  As one who is looking forward to retirement in a few years, I want to do everything I can to ensure that the next generation of our profession is ready, and that we give them support to take our localities to the next level.

I am very thankful for the new members that we are adding to our organization each month; please join me in welcoming our newest VLGMA members – Michele DeWitt, Assistant City Manager, City of Williamsburg and Lisa Erickson, Project Manager, Office of County Administrator, County of Loudoun.

As we end the calendar year, I want to thank you for your perseverance and dedication for the past year.  From my family to yours, I wish you all the best for a blessed holiday season, and a joyous and safe New Year!

Happy Holidays!

Craig