Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” has become a hallmark of American rhetoric since first delivered on April 23, 1910 in Paris.
The speech emphasizes the value of effort, courage and resilience over criticism. It exalts those who serve, even if they fail, because they dared to serve in the first place.
Roosevelt contrasts the doer with the critic, asserting that true honor belongs to those engaged in the struggle, not those who merely judge. He reminds us that perseverance is key and celebrates the dignity of striving toward worthy goals.
I am certainly no Roosevelt. None of us are, but I do consider myself a man in the arena of his community.
I added another role to the list last week when I was sworn in as a member of the Collinsville City Council.
My friend Mayor Chase Guidera asked me to fill a seat left open when no one filed to run. Jennifer and I talked about it and ultimately accepted. The council agreed and voted me in late last week.
While I am humbled to have been asked, I accept the position knowing full well the optics involved with us owning the newspaper.
Is it a conflict of interest?
That’s a good question; one we have weighed heavily and one I’d like to address here.
Many media companies have “resign to run” policies forbidding employees to seek public office while on the company payroll.
I have worked places that forbade me from even displaying a political sign in my yard.
I know journalists who have never registered to vote for fear of not being viewed as “objective” by the public.
At the same time, I know plenty of media folk across the state who serve their community in public office.
My friend Charles Hatfield owns the Ellis County Press in Ferris where he recently accepted a position on the city council.
Another friend Callie Lovvorn served multiple terms on the Stamford ISD Board of Trustees while also owning the local newspaper.
Randy Mankin, the publisher of the El Dorado Success, sits on the Schleicher County Hospital Board.
I’ve visited with each of them about serving in public office while managing the newspaper.
Why are so many community newspaper professionals involved at this level? Probably because they care greatly for their communities. They must, to even be in this line of work. It’s a labor of love.
No one is getting rich doing this. Not these days, anyway.
Closer to home, Whitewright Sun owner and publisher Sarah Beth Owen was recently elected mayor of her town. Howe City Administrator Monte Walker also owns and operates the Howe Enterprise.
Examples abound. I’ve sought them out to determine the best approach and it is simply this:
If we are honest with one another, there will be no conflict of interest. And I promise I’ll be honest with you.
As for news coverage of City Hall, from here on out, I won’t be writing a word about the Collinsville City Council.
We have delegated that to our managing editor Jessica Edwards and she has final say over the reporting on that beat.
I hereby abstain from any news work involving that body.
Likewise, I will abstain from any City Council votes involving the News-Record as the city newspaper of record.
I’ll file the appropriate conflict of interest statement with the state acknowledging my ownership of the newspaper and its position as a city vendor.
I also acknowledge wholeheartedly that, even after all this, I am opening myself up to criticism by making this move.
And that’s okay. I picked the wrong profession to avoid criticism. It is what it is.
But, after all that, I promise to make the best decisions possible for my hometown.
I promise to listen to concerns and lobby for the best interest of families, business owners and city employees. And, truth be known, I hope this appointment is a short tenure.
I was appointed to fill a seat because no one filed to run for election. There is another similarly appointed seat on the council because no one filed to run there either. The mayor ran unopposed, as did another alderman.
The lack of participation in this last election was staggering. That’s why I was asked to serve.
I hope the same lack of interest is not mirrored in the next election. I hope folks file to run. I hope I can step aside at that point and let someone else take the lead.
If you know me at all, you know I am passionate about community participation. I hope the interest comes back around though I am grateful for the opportunity.
More than that, I am grateful for a loving wife and understanding kids. They put up with my propensity to burn the candle at both ends— my inability to say ‘no.’ They are my biggest support.
An old friend once said, “In a small town, if everyone only did one thing— nothing would get done. We all must multi-task.”
I’ll stick to that argument as I jump into yet another arena.
In the meantime, I encourage you to join me in the arena.
There is plenty of work to be done and the lift is lighter with more hands on board.
