Hi, Jim,

Your letter as published in The Beacon was excellent and timely considering the Flemm campaign and the character of that campaign.

I agree with each of your points and the issues you raised with regard to younger individuals becoming involved and being involved in community and public service. Great job, Congratulations!

Your comments struck home and reminded me of my younger days in community and public service.

When going on the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners, I was 27 and at that time the youngest county commissioner in the state. When I was elected chair of the commission a year later, I was the youngest county commission chair in the state.

But, the point is, before going on the commission, I had served as president of six community-service organizations and was on the board of 11 service organizations. Thus, your comments hit home with me.

It is so important that we who serve in government have a history and record of serving the community and that we have this experience and demonstrate our commitment to the community. I also like to see business people in public office who have the experience of managing people and a checkbook.

“Service to humanity is the best work of life” is a motto I adopted as a young business person and one who was involved in the community. It seems that your beliefs and history to date follow this philosophy.

Again, great job, Jim.

Sid Vihlen Jr.
DeBary
Former DeBary City Council Member