Civil Service

Yesterday I joined a group of business and community leaders on a bus trip to our state capital in Harrisburg. The trip’s purpose was to learn more about how our state government works and to visit one of the more beautiful buildings in any capital city in our nation. A tour highlight was the opportunity to interact in a personal way with our state senator, the Honorable Rob Wonderling, who served as tour guide and luncheon host.

Many of us are more than a little disheartened with the current political leadership in our country. Stories of inappropriate personal and professional behavior often dominate the headlines. There is a perceived disconnect between the policies being enacted and the wishes of many citizens. Success in politics seems more connected to a cult of personality than any real leadership qualities that will get things done. Power struggles are common, with the accompanying bully tactics, backstabbing, and personal attacks. Bipartisanship isn’t a genuine goal, even though it is often touted as an admirable approach to problem solving.

Senator Wonderling represents something different, a true public servant in the midst of a lackluster political landscape. He chose to run for office after a successful business career so he actually knows how to manage and lead. His motivation is drawn from a deep sense of service and his time spent with our group demonstrated this over and over again. We were free to ask him anything and he graciously offered responses to our queries about policy and personal issues. His behind the scenes look at the Senate offices and chamber were replete with little known facts and history, including his own experiences as a capital page.

When asked about the qualities needed to be an effective public servant, the senator’s response reflected his values: being well-read, listening carefully, and having a servant attitude and approach to the work. It was refreshing to have an audience with a politician who was candid about the problems facing our commonwealth and nation without offering pithy sound bites or staid party rhetoric. In fact, the senator pointed out how party affiliation is not that important when getting legislative issues resolved.

Many of the persons in our group were younger leaders who could play an important future role in local, county, state, or federal government. I hope they were inspired to consider public service as a worthwhile endeavor, or even a life’s calling. We need more persons like Rob Wonderling who understand the qualities needed to be an effective civic leader. Political affiliation, money, ego, and fame shouldn’t shape or influence the people choosing to run for public office. We need persons of principle and courage who love their communities and the people they serve; people with a servant heart and a willingness to do what is right.

Thanks, Rob, for your service, your example, and your willingness to share your passion with our group. It’s time for more people like you to get some “skin in the game” and make a difference in our communities and in our world.