Leaders inspire followers

It never ceases to amaze me the way the Fresno County Board of Supervisors constantly has to be dragged and goaded into exhibiting leadership. When they run for office, they say they want to make decisions for their constituents. Then, too often when there is an opportunity to be forward thinking, smart, bold and courageous, they take a pass. They are making it increasingly clear that they are more comfortable following others.

The latest example is on the needle exchange decision. Susan Anderson is the only official on the board who was bright enough to remember that one of the board's responsibilities is to protect the public health. Here we have record-breaking numbers of communicable diseases, the grand jury and the county health officer are there to back the board members up with facts and give them political cover, and yet and still they sit, wringing their hands, waiting for other people to lead first.

This is not what I expect from people elected to lead one of the fastest growing areas in California. I want dynamic leaders representing me, not people who are afraid to get out in front and challenge others to keep up with them.