Monday Morning Bullpen: Time to Grow

After 60 days the City Council will appoint a new District 3 City Councilmember on Thursday.

Either Justin Jones, Lucious Smith or Brandon Lamar will get the nod.

Respect to all three for stepping up to fill the vacancy left by John J. Kennedy.

I’m not going to get into filling the big shoes. Quite frankly, none of them can do that.

But after the City Council votes, the real work will begin for the so-called winner.

But this isn’t a message to the next District 3 City Councilmember.

This is a message to the two applicants that will ultimately be rejected by the City Council.

After that vote, the residents in District 3 will learn about you.

The decision of eight people does not define you, it merely defines one moment.

But that moment will also define those that are not chosen.

You can disappear into District 3, or you can stand for something.

Yes, after Thursday, the City will have a full contingent of City Councilmembers.

But it will never have its fill of leaders.

Stay involved.

Every candidate mentioned public safety, affordable housing and a better quality of life for the residents of District 3.

You don’t have to be on the City Council to advocate for those causes.

Hell, you might be able to do more without being sworn in.

Just ask former City Council Candidate Robin Salzar who has fed thousands of people through his free meals program.

Ask Ishmael Trone, who has helped hundreds of local kids find their way to employment through the local nonprofit Ideal Youth.

Both men lost Council races, but it didn’t stop them.

They found a cause, found some conviction and instead of cussing and screaming in public comment, they took action.

Leaders lead.

There is still a lot to be done in District 3 and citywide. Find a worthy cause and fight for it.

Abraham Lincoln said “Adversity introduces a man to himself.”

So who are you Justin Jones, Lucious Smith and Brandon Lamar?

Two of you won’t be happy after the City Council meets on Thursday.

But from that point, there is only opportunity in front of you.

It’s up to you.