Why I Love Public Service
by John Drury

There was an article posted here over the weekend called “Uncle Sam Wants You.” This article encourages the "average Joe" to run for and hold public office, saying that “if only the palm-greasers and back scratchers run for office, what kind of government will we have?” After reading this article, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about my own love for public service and also encourage others to do the same.

A little background might help. I served two terms as mayor of a once bustling, now struggling farm community located 25 miles southwest of Mason City. Probably one of the biggest hurdles a small town mayor faces is apathy. You’ve got the CAVE (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) and the BANANA (Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anyone) people to contend with. These are the more organized groups of people that will fight you and your vision for the future all the way to unincorporation. And in Iowa, you’ve got a state legislature with no strategy to bring rural Iowa back to life. And, of course, you’ve all heard the expression that it’s a thankless job.

Despite all of that, we took many progressive steps during my four years as mayor. Under my leadership, we condemned abandoned properties, turning one into a park. We got people interested again and sparked volunteerism. We put tax incentive plans in place that have resulted in growth, both in residential and commercial. We brought in over $40,000 in grant dollars; using those dollars we replaced our park playground equipment, upgraded fire-fighting gear, and replaced an aging fire truck. We now have an economic development plan in place that will serve the needs of current residents, will bring travelers to our town, and will attract new residents. It will also serve as a business incubator sparking entrepreneurism in the entire region.

It might seem like making that much progress in a struggling small town once on the brink of unincorporation might be enough to illustrate my love of public service. And while there’s no doubt that it’s gratifying to put plans in place and see them work, I think a better way to illustrate why I love public service is in the following story.

Back in 2002 when I was Swaledale’s mayor, I had heard that a former resident wanted to send a box of softballs to me so that I could give one to every kid in town. Now, as mayor of a small town, I got used to hearing lots of different things but this one intrigued me. A few days later, I received a letter from a Bob Westover from Pinellas Park, Florida.

Here is what he wrote:

Hi John: I’m sending this note to let you know I took a box of softballs to UPS today. You will probably get them about next Thursday, do with them as you like, but mainly see that the younger boys get a good share. The balls are an accumulation over a few years when the balls sail over the fence on night games and the people don’t recover them, I do. Have been hearing some good reports on what you are doing for the “old hometown.” You must have grown up while I was gone in the Navy from Dec. ’39 till Aug. ’69. I knew your Dad, Herschel and your grandparents. They were very nice people. Have to get this in the mail. Another box will be coming soon. Regards, Bob W.

There were 76 softballs in that first box. A few months later, I received another box of around 35. Early this year, Bob Westover passed away at the age of 83.
A month later, his wife had a package delivered to me with about 30 softballs inside. I have handed out softballs to kids in Swaledale’s annual town celebrations, parades and at other events. Bob Westover hadn’t set foot in the town since the day he left but he stayed on top of all the good things we were doing and he noticed. I knew I was making a positive difference and getting his letter only reinforced my love of public service.

 Public service is not a thankless job; run for office and win or lose, you’ll be glad you did.