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4 <br /> 1 Politicians calculate everything by its impact on their electoral prospects, and never stop <br /> 2 running. Public servants try foremost to do what principle and common sense tell them is best <br /> 3 for their constituents, human and otherwise, and shoulder the consequences of their decisions. <br /> 4 <br /> 5 Guide and guarantee. <br /> 6 The land-use plan is a communal guarantee of how government will adapt to change. <br /> 7 For nearly 40 years close adherence to growth according to that design has largely protected <br /> 8 Orange County's communities and natural features and kept us happily distinct from our <br /> 9 neighbors. Cautiously approach alterations for the sake of convenience or to make another <br /> 10 buck that will not change our economic destiny any more than investing in small or existing <br /> 11 businesses. <br /> 12 <br /> 13 Say no to negativity. <br /> 14 Avoid dwelling on what went wrong or who was at fault. Get past north and south, rural <br /> 15 and urban, pro and anti. Our job is to bring people together, to promote teamwork and to <br /> 16 identify or forge common ground. We don't need schemes, electoral or otherwise, that promote <br /> 17 division. We have too much of that already in our state and national life. <br /> 18 <br /> 19 No man is a subdivision. <br /> 20 Working together can be far more powerful than acting alone. Plentiful grant funding for <br /> 21 partnerships at Little River Regional Park and PFAP proves as much. Don't skimp on reaching <br /> 22 out regularly to residents or across jurisdictional boundaries to discuss policy with other elected <br /> 23 officials. <br /> 24 <br /> 25 You get free snacks at the meetings, too. <br /> 26 Remember to enjoy what you're doing. Learn to lose votes gracefully and move on. <br /> 27 Appreciate being part of a team that encompasses the county's dedicated staff and volunteers. <br /> 28 Embrace public service even when the hours, the mental and emotional demands, the grating <br /> 29 of colleagues'personalities and agendas, the objectionable decisions, the thwarted initiatives, <br /> 30 the insoluble dilemmas, the dictates from on high, threaten to overwhelm. What a privilege and <br /> 31 honor it is to serve. <br /> 32 <br /> 33 Commissioner Comments: <br /> 34 Commissioner Price thanked both Commissioners for their service, and said she <br /> 35 enjoyed working with both of them and wished them the best. She suggested that they work on <br /> 36 the historic preservation book that has been underway for 15 years. <br /> 37 Commissioner Rich thanked both Commissioners, and said she learned much more <br /> 38 from Commissioner Burroughs than just about schools. She said she greatly appreciated her <br /> 39 willingness to learn and her flexibility. <br /> 40 Commissioner Rich said it was going to be weird without Commissioner Jacobs and his <br /> 41 institutional knowledge. She said he mentored her when she first came onto the Board, and <br /> 42 she will still reach out via phone. <br /> 43 Commissioner McKee said it had been a pleasure to work with Commissioner <br /> 44 Burroughs, watching her grow into the position and has admired her approach and efforts. <br /> 45 Commissioner McKee said he and Commissioner Jacobs have not always agreed on <br /> 46 everything, but he has learned a great deal from him. He said Commissioner Jacobs has been <br /> 47 a mentor in many ways, and he will miss their discussions. He wished them both the best. <br /> 48 Commissioner Marcoplos said he is going to miss the breakup of his first team, which <br /> 49 has been a great experience these last two years. He said Commissioners Burroughs is <br />