City in need of new leadership

Somewhere, from within the city limits of Bremerton, some confident leadership needs to emerge on the Bremerton City Council.

Leadership that is young, dynamic and full of good intentions and ambition. Most of all, this leader needs to be willing to make a contribution to the community.

We know you’re out there. Please, come out of hiding.

This weekend marks the end of the declaration period for the November election. The five seats on the city council up for election in November and their current incumbents are District 1, Wayne Olsen; District 2, Cecil McConnell; District 4, Ed Rollman; District 6, Eric Younger; and District 8, Will Maupin.

As of press time Thursday afternoon, there were nine aspiring politicians who have qualified for the five seats available. (See story on A1).

What gives?

That in mind, in a city of approximately 36,500 this is still a discouraging situation. How in the world can residents of this city be so apathetic when there are so many issues confronting the city?

Bremerton seems to be a city at a crossroads; it is trying to reinvent its image through downtown revitalization efforts, but doesn’t seem to know what to do about its past.

The city’s amenities are already numerous — a class-act golf course, a brand new ice arena, a public pool and an active recreation department — yet the city continues to build. This is a positive thing.

Right now, all eyes are on the two downtown cranes: one working on the new conference center and one on the new government center.

What the city needs is some new council leadership that can embrace the past, look to the future, and most importantly, concentrate on the present.

With all the focus on the new projects in the works, the existing buildings and streets are getting forgotten. This is where new leadership would come in handy.

A new leader may suggest the city get some powerwashers and clean up downtown; it’s about time downtown gets another bath. A new leader may suggest the city organize a volunteer crew to clean up the alley ways.

Most important, a new leader could give any of the tired current councilmen a well-deserved vacation.

Somebody needs to step up. In a city with so many issues and a population of 36,500, that young, confident leader has to be out there.

Where are you?

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