Hopes are high among newest Council members

What kind of a job will the new McCook City Council do? Will the council members avoid some of the problems of the past? Will they keep in close contact with the public? And, over the long pull, will the council members work together, not only on major issues, but on routine, day-to-day city matters as well?

Following the seating of two brand-new council members and the selection of a mayor with just two months of council experience, the questions are at the forefront of community discussion.

Looked at from the perspective of one of the new council members, the hopes are high for an effective council.

"I have a good feeling about the new council," said Jim Kenny, a petroleum engineer who Monday night began his first term of council service. "The discussions were business-like and I feel the council came up with good solutions," he said.

One of the things Kenny likes about the council is its diversity. "The members have a wide range of experience," he said, adding that -- with hard work and thorough research -- that varied expertise will yield dividends in service and efficiency.

At the other end of the council experience spectrum is Phil Lyons, an attorney who is beginning his fourth term on the City Council.

Lyons is withholding judgment on the council's potential, saying "actions speak louder than words."

In Lyons' view, the most important factors will be the council members' willingness to thoroughly study the issues and communicate openly with each other and the public.

"We have to remember what is written on the side of the Nebraska State Capitol: 'The Salvation of the State is the Watchfulness of the Citizens,'" Lyons said.

Pointing out that it's a two-way street, Lyons said it is important that the public stay involved, too, to make certain the council members are accountable for their actions.

Both Kenny and Lyons make good points. This council does have potential to do outstanding work. The members possess a broad range of experiences, and bring diverse viewpoints to the table.

But it's also important to remember what Lyons has to say. Glowing resumes do not get things done. It takes lots of study, hard work, attention to detail and interaction with each other and the public.

The new council consists of Jerda Garey, mayor; Dick Trail, vice mayor; Jerry Reitz; Kenny; and Lyons.

They have an opportunity to lead during an important period in the city's history. We pledge our support, but, at the same time, we promise our continued scrutiny.