Where We Stand
Shelbyville Times-Gazette,Guest column by David Coffey, A Better Bedford
As more groups and unofficial organizations emerge in our community in hopes of taking an active role in our upcoming local elections, we would like to clearly and definitively share our views and positions with the citizens of Shelbyville and Bedford County. As voters, we expect to know the character and positions of those pursuing leadership roles. We should also expect the same forthrightness from those groups seeking to positively impact our community.
As Election Day nears, we would like to share our vision for making our community a shining example of good governance and to seek the support of our neighbors who are committed to making Shelbyville and Bedford County a place where every individual has the opportunity to succeed.
A Better Bedford is comprised of citizens who share a common goal of promoting opportunity, prosperity, and civic engagement for all citizens of our community. We believe that transparency, collaboration and cooperation are the truest paths to sustainable representation and leadership, and we are committed to supporting leaders who share this vision. While we are united in our beliefs, we are unique in our backgrounds and professions. Our supporters are Bedford County natives, grateful
transplants, and individuals who wish to see our community thrive. We are farmers and
retired executives, current and former elected officials, business owners and first responders, contractors, veterans and entrepreneurs. Each of us brings a distinct perspective, and each of us wants to see Shelbyville and Bedford County grow and take on new challenges.
We also know that it is time to act.
The most representative government is that which is closest to home, and A Better Bedford is committed to supporting leaders in our city and county. While others may have an alternative agenda, our focus is on our community and those who seek to represent us.
Our core values are broad and speak to the ideals we hope to see embodied by our leaders- honesty, integrity and visionary leadership. We know that specific challenges and complex issues will arise, however we also know that leaders who draw upon those core principles will bring a sense of rationality, consideration, civility and pragmatism that will guide their decisions and actions.
It is our belief that this approach to government lies at the core of our community. We believe that our friends and neighbors have grown tired of the petty divisiveness and intentional misrepresentations that have stymied growth and stability throughout Shelbyville and Bedford County. We seek to support leaders who are willing to listen and then act, who are willing to collaborate and then hold themselves accountable, who are willing to stand for the ideals of our community and then lead.
Those leaders exist in Shelbyville and Bedford County, and we cannot wait to see where they will take us.
David Coffey is the Chairman of A Better Bedford, a non-partisan organization
committed to promoting opportunity, prosperity, and honest dialogue for all citizens of
Shelbyville and Bedford County.
