Craig’s Corner October 2021
Why Are We In This Crazy Profession?
As I’m sure you can relate, my daily routine changed dramatically in mid-March of last year. Once the first few cases of COVID-19 began showing up in our County facilities, we quickly established new protocols, policies, and sanitation regimens to ensure that we were addressing the growing concern among our staff and our citizens. Now, over 18 months after that eventful March, we continue to modify our policies, protocols, and sanitation regimens, to more closely align with what we now know about the virus.
Not long thereafter, we had to quickly develop plans for spending millions of CARES Act dollars that were being provided to our communities. Supplies were purchased, vehicles were ordered, and facility renovations were quickly bid out to address social distancing and ventilation concerns. More recently, our communities received additional federal dollars through the American Rescue Plan Act, and again, we are working to prioritize what items need to be purchased or constructed for our communities.
In a recent interview with a candidate for an administrative position in our office, when I asked her if she had any questions of us, she replied with “what is it that you like about your job?” For a moment, all the crazy challenges that we’ve dealt with over the last 18 months came to mind, and I started to say “at the moment, not too much …” However, my thoughts quickly went to my early years in this profession, and I remembered what I told my children when they asked me what I liked about my job – that I truly enjoy working to make a difference in my community, and striving to help people. I shared that response with our candidate, and when I did, it helped me forget some of the craziness that first came to mind, and actually lifted my spirits as well!
As we go about our daily work, do you think about what motivates you to be in this crazy profession? Are we so consumed with the issues of the day that we sometimes forget that we are working to make our communities a better place, and ensuring that our citizens receive the help they need? (My answer to that question is yes, I do forget my calling on some days…) I hope that through your membership in VLGMA, you seek out opportunities to participate in events and training courses that are provided so that you can learn more about how we can help our communities, our citizens, and also ourselves. Also, there is a wealth of experience and leadership among our members – if you ever need to ask a question, express a concern, or just vent about an issue, I am sure that there is a member in our organization that would be happy to assist you. Feel free to reach out to me or one of our executive committee members at any time if we can help you in finding a resource to assist you with any issue you may have.
With the arrival of the fall season, please make sure to take time to “reconnect, refresh, and recharge;” attend a football game, go for a hike, or simply sit outside and enjoy the beautiful autumn sky! I am honored to serve with you in this crazy profession – thank you for making a difference in your communities, and helping your citizens. Let’s also welcome our new member who joined us in September: Zak Bradley, Public Works Director, City of Falls Church.
All the best,
Craig