When I was a county commissioner, many decisions on the dais were difficult. I would read, research, ask questions, sit through presentations, listen to public comment and make the best decision I could on each issue before voting. The decisions were never made lightly. I understood that each vote affected our residents. Local government has the most impact on people and can do the most damage.

But by far the most important guide to my decisions was this question: How would it affect someone like my dad?