“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens..” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
There is a famous 60s song by the Byrds called “Turn, Turn, Turn.” I don’t know if I remember this song from the oldies theme of my sister’s high school marching band, or by the late-night TIME Music Collection advertisements, but it famously references the Biblical Book of Ecclesiastes. In Ecclesiastes, we are reminded of the brevity of life and the purpose for all seasons.
One of the things I enjoy most about Idaho is the four true seasons. Though some are shorter than others, one of the things I miss least about the American South is the absence of Spring and Winter. In the South, you get Early Summer, Summer Hell, Late Summer, and Fall. With four true seasons, we are reminded of our own birth, growth, fullness, and death. We are promised that, with a bit of faith and preparation, He will make all things new with the Spring.
On the subject of seasons, the Pocatello Mayoral Runoff weighs heavily on the minds of the public. In the general elections earlier this month, Pocatello chose a new season. Change can bring trepidation and uncertainty, but it is clear that the majority are ready.
As a Republican Party official, the local party endorsed the candidate that they believe best represents change. It should be understood that an endorsement does not detract from the opposing candidate. We don’t build ourselves up by belittling the opposition. They recognized that there are some areas in desperate need of attention, and the candidate who speaks to them the most is Mr. Cates.
On policing, the city is likely facing litigation in the death of Victor Perez, and there must be accountability. In the lawsuit brought by the Rupp Family Trust, the Idaho Supreme Court has reinstated the case, and the taxpayers are likely on the hook for the consequences. Regarding the city’s budget, our turnover in Chief Financial Officers suggests scrutiny is required and that fiscal improvement must be pursued.
In addition to these things, I personally endorse Mr. Cates’ vision of downtown revitalization and resuscitation of the historic beating heart of our town. If feasible, turning Main Street into a family-friendly pedestrian gathering space harkens to a time when we joined in communion. With the loss of the Pine Ridge Mall, a walkable space to showcase local fares is a hopeful vision.
The Book of Proverbs tells us that where there is no vision, the people will perish. Mr. Cates entered this race some five hundred days ago and, from the beginning, has detailed his vision. I appreciate his best George Bernard Shaw: “Some men see things as they are, and say why? I dream of things that never were and say, Why not?”
No matter the outcome of Pocatello’s Mayoral Runoff, Pocatello is entering a new season. This new season requires grace and patience for new leadership, and that goes beyond the mayor to its new city council members as well. Nobody is born into these roles, and even Mr. Blad required an extended orientation from his predecessor. It is my prayer that, as we give thanks and celebrate the Lord’s continued provision this season, we continue to offer and receive grace for the seasons ahead.
Photo by Judy Beth Morris on Unsplash
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