Stretching the Bones

Well it's July 2011.  One year ago, I thought I could help improve our state by trying to spend less and put more power into the hands of the people and helping them with their voice. I ran a very simple campaign for the state legislature representing Kaneohe. I lost soundly because my district doesn't want to change.  They are happy with the status quo . . .at least the older voters are.  The next generation(s) are ready for Kaneohe to step into the 21st Century but not at the expense of culture and history and I AGREE.  

I've been trying to take notes of what's been transpiring over the past year with the start of the newest legislative session with our new Governor. I figured this would be as good a time as any to make things right . . .and . . .  

 

What I've discovered over the past year

• In Hawaii politics the word "ethics" means mind your own business.
• It's still appropriate to spend more money than is taken in and put the heat on the backs of taxpayers.
• "Transparency" is merely a buzz-word and has no real meaning or mechanism for implementation
• Union leaders think that having their members strike during a natural disaster is a reasonable negotiation tactic.
• Union workers I know feel a little embarrassed because of the above bullet.
• No one knows how or wants to deal with cyber-bullying.

There's so much more to write about, so I'll prevent this from becoming to much of a drain and simply move in a more positive direction . . .

 

What I've decided to do about the above:

• Conduct myself in a manner that reflects the values and ethics of my heritage, family  and country.
• Continue to meet my personal obligations both financially and personally.
• Do things that are of use and value to myself, my family and society.
• I still don't have a good answer for cyber-bullying yet.  So far a sock in the nose is all I can come up with but I'm sure the advise of my lawyer will direct my actions elsewhere . . .and besides, the bullet above this one would prevent that anyway.
• Stay occupied with things WITHIN my span of control:  President of Rotary this year, Board of Directors for Waikiki Natatorium, Masters of Business Administration program starting at HPU this coming term, Still running Golf Academy Hawaii, Still teaching TAP class, serving on Kaneohe Neighborhood Board, and more . .

I'm not quite sure what this year'll bring but I'm hoping it's a stark improvement over the past one.  I think I'll blather a little more than I've done in the past.  If interested, stay tuned and tell a friend.  If not,  . .  .well, I'll try to be interesting.