Autumn reminds us that we could do better

The fall season of the year is here.  All of nature is making changes for the season.  The leaves once again reveal to us the amazing wonderment of turning colors.  The weather begins its usual temperamental condition, changing on a daily basis. The sights, smell and sound of autumn are everywhere. 
It is a good time, a happy time. A time for hay rides, apples, apple cider, barbeques, festivals, fairs and harvesting of the summer crops. 
Autumn always reminds us that there is much work and preparation for winter. 
Autumn is a transitional season, preparing us for the cold winter ahead. 
Somewhere between the fall hunting, fishing and camping, we are reminded that life is a never-ending process of changes.  Here we witness what Robert Frost calls “the year’s last loveliest smile.”  All throughout this changing season we are renewed, inspired and held in awe by the vastness of nature and its unpredictability.
Autumn reminds us that we could do better; we can catch a glimpse of our schools, our community, and ourselves and know that we can do better. We can be a wiser, cleaner and friendlier people.  Fall reminds us that we could be a more respectful people, a more giving and learning people.  As fall prepares us for the winter, we too could use this time while the economy and jobs are rebounding to sharpen our focus, educate our children, train for coming jobs and plan for a more vibrant Marion County community.  As both the plant world and animal world prepares for the coming season, we should be preparing for our coming season.
Fall is a time of reflection and thanksgiving.  We celebrate this year’s successes, we learn from our failures and we put into perspective our goals, dreams and aspirations.  Reflection of all the good times comes to mind as we enjoy this wonderful season.
Marion County must use this time to continue to invest in their youth, families, schools and communities.  It is a time to reflect on how well we are managing these basic institutions of our community, a time for reflection and planning as we prepare to improve our community here in Marion County.

It is autumn and we could do better:
• We can reduce the dropout rate in our schools and increase our graduation rates.
• Train more adults to complete high school.
• Teach more successful soft skills in the workforce.
• Reduce our high crime rates.
• Care for our elderly.
• Eliminate spousal abuse, child abuse, elderly abuse.
• Create more jobs.
• Invest in our communities.
• Protect our children.
• Eliminate drug abuse.
• Eliminate drunk driving.
• Improve our schools.
• Keep our environment healthy.
• Educate young mothers/reduce teenage pregnancies.
• Teach financial responsibility to students and families.

Yes, it is autumn, yes the leaves are changing, yes there is excitement in the air and yes we could do much better.