To the community,

As we collectively hold our breath to see who will lead our nation, our city, our public school system and our local utility district, it is a great time to define leadership.

I learned about leadership while serving on many boards over the last 40 years, starting with Tahoe Parents Nursery School, graduating to school site councils and youth sports boards, then on to community boards, at the county and local level. I have observed many great leaders and learned what leadership is and is not.

Wendy David

I have learned that leadership is not the loudest voice, or the most frequent voice. It is not harsh, unkind, self-centered or presumptuous. It does not bully or belittle others to make oneself feel superior. It is not closed minded and disrespectful of others for their differences. It is not petty and small minded.

Yet we are seeing candidates, even at highest level of government exhibit these very traits. As voters, we have not only the opportunity but, more importantly, a responsibility to vote for true leaders. Especially at the local level, we know that whom we select to put in our elected positions will make a difference.

When choosing whom to vote, please consider what leadership skills that person can bring to their position. For the school district, consider Annie Davidson. She has demonstrated to me some great leadership skills, and she also has children that will be going through our district for many years. She has a real stake in the future of public education in our community. I respect each of the candidates running, but believe we need to have at least one board member that has children currently in the district. Annie is that person.

For City Council, please consider Brooke Laine and Jason Collin. Brooke is a tireless community advocate and has proven to be a collaborative, strong, positive leader. She leads by bringing out the best in each person she works with, honoring their input, their ideas and their abilities. I look forward to working with her on the council. Jason has demonstrated his leadership abilities through his work, his history already as a positive community leader and by being an independent risk taker for what he believes. I honor that in him.

For STPUD, I am supporting Kirk David. Besides being a terrific son, he is smart and thoughtful, he is wise and reasoned in his decision-making ability. He will bring a fresh voice and the outlook of someone who cares about the future of our community. As a small business owner, and a long-time local who has raised his family here, he cares as deeply as I do.

Leading by life example is the best quality that each of these candidates will bring for our community and each of these candidates has demonstrated these qualities through their commitment to family, jobs, volunteering in their community and always demonstrating their care for others first. Their examples of leadership will shape our city and our community for years to come.

Wendy David, South Lake Tahoe mayor