Grantwood Village Welcomes County Executive

Every so often, Grantwood Board meetings include special guests. Last week we happily welcomed County Executive Charlie Dooley to our meeting. Mr. Dooley had yet to visit Grantwood, and since we contract with the county for many services, we felt it about time we extended an invitation (according to Mr. Dooley, we were the first municipality to do so).

For over 15 years Grantwood has contracted with St. Louis County for police services. In fact, in the late 1960s we were the first municipality used in a pilot program for municipal contracts. We couldn't be happier. Conveying this to Mr. Dooley was our first goal, as, after all, we all know jobs well done seldom get the due recognition.

What ensued was something very entertaining and educational. Mr. Dooley became the professor. He quizzed us on St. Louis County: its parks, economy, even its cities. Fortunately, he wasn't grading us, but either way, what a great way to learn more about our community!

His speech wasn't political. Sure he gave his opinions on some issues, but he answered questions honestly. He also used the time to recognize all the great things about our county, and in a time filled with political anomosity and seemingly non-stop bad news, it was refreshing to hear.

Most importantly, he spoke of the significance of small communities (he previously served as mayor in the small North County municipality of Northwoods). He said the small, local governments are the most efficient form, and just because you're small, doesn't mean you can't get things done. I like how that sounds! I think that serves as a great motto for any government body, including Grantwood: efficiency and getting things done. We've acomplished a lot in our first 74 years, but there are still things to be done and improved upon, and we are well positioned to do so.