I am a self-confessed Olympics junkie. Having attended 2 Olympics in person, I follow them every 2 years and still not sure whether I prefer the summer or winter versions. This year’s Summer Olympics in France produced more world records and social media footage than ever. Yes, it’s easy to harp on the complaints of the cardboard beds, lack of air conditioning in July, and limited food supply for the athletes, but what an amazing collection of athletes. Races, cultures, religions all competing in good spirit. Well maybe, except for Algeria.
The medalists showed incredible force and determination to excel at their sport. I look at our community very much like the Olympics. We have people, organizations and even city departments that work so hard at improving the lives of others. Some very visible and some that work behind the scenes and are content remaining outside of the limelight. What if we awarded medals to them?
For example: The top step on the podium would include; The Carnation Festival, Wheat Ridge Parks & Rec, InterMountain-Lutheran Hospital, Clancy’s and the Wheat Ridge Police Department. They would all be awarded the Gold medal. The work they do in front and behind the scenes is amazing. Always present, sometimes publicly criticized, yet they take everything in stride and make improvements wherever needed. You can see and feel just how they all go above and beyond for us. They are such important members of our community. Congratulations!
What about the Silver Medal? Not quite the top step, but almost there, and certainly higher than 3rd place. Wheat Ridge Planning is in that spot. How do you go to work everyday knowing that not everyone will love your decisions? Led by a rockstar, this team has a few things missing to get it to that top podium step. With huge projects on the horizon how will they perform?
The other Silver medalist is the Wheat Ridge City Council. Another group with an impossible mission to please everyone all of the time. This group is filled mostly with superstar councilors leading the way with others content with their good intentions.
How about the third step on the podium, the Bronze Medal; This step would include the Liquor commission, Little Brazil, GasTown and Jeffco Board of Education. These all have something in common. A questionable commitment to achieve what they set out to do. Going through the motions and doing the bare minimum but not achieving the huge potential they each have to serve their customers. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
The Olympics are over for now. In two years we will be revisiting the medals again. Let us know who’s standing on your podium. As always, thanks for reading.
