Two heads are better than one

The following is a column by Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson:

We’ve all heard this age-old adage, but I am reminded of its truth everyday as I interact with my fellow Kansans, who tell me about their efforts to work together to achieve common goals and objectives.

Throughout my life I have had to do the same. Whether it was working with my classmates to complete a school project, collaborating with my peers to accomplish a business task or crossing the aisle during my years in the Legislature to reach consensus on a policy priority, I have tried to be a part of a group that put individual differences aside to accomplish the best outcome for the whole.

This tried-and-true approach to problem solving has been demonstrated throughout the state. Most recently, I was impressed by the resolve and determination of the people of Chanute in their efforts to pass a $43 million school bond issue.

By focusing on a greater vision for their community, the citizens of Chanute rallied together and united with one another. Members of several groups, including the school board, chamber of commerce, community college board, and City of Chanute, came together in order to do what was best for the community.

Not only did these groups unite to pass the school bond issue, but community leaders now meet and talk regularly to enhance communication and make Chanute an even better place to live.

Collaboration of this kind works and it has definitely worked in Chanute. The city is currently working on a housing development across the street from the new elementary school, making Chanute a vibrant and attractive place for young families to settle down.

Neither the school nor the development would have been successful without the willingness of several people to come together despite differences. By using Chanute as an example, Kansas communities can achieve even more than they already have or currently envision.

I’m excited to see what we can accomplish as a state by utilizing collaboration, consensus and compromise of the kind used in Chanute, which proved once again that two heads are indeed better than one.

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