We here at The Messenger often like to be optimistic. In fact, we’d say that most people in general prefer optimism. Our editorial messages are usually those of optimism, but we always prefer to have a strong edge of realism. We find that realism isn’t necessarily a healthy mix of optimism and pessimism, but rather a practice of looking at situations individually and subjectively. We also generally stay away from hypocritical viewpoints, so we practice what we preach. In short, optimism and realism aren’t mutually exclusive values with respect to themselves, but sometimes the most “realistic” approach to a situation, problem, or topic is understanding that the two can’t be too closely intertwined, for the sake of decision-making, conscientiousness, and emotional input.
What we can say is that we are comfortable tying the two together on the heels of our latest slate of elected candidates who have just taken office – or are about to. And with the commencement of the term of Ed Romaine as County Executive, we couldn’t be more optimistic about the future of Suffolk County.
Our endorsement of Romaine was one of dozens; that in and of itself should say something. Our endorsement also understood the many assets he brings to the table, the success he has had at multiple levels of government, the friends and allies he’s made along the way, and the level of respect he has garnered among countless elected and community officials in a bipartisan manner.
This was on full display at his inauguration ceremony on January 1. More than just a swearing-in ceremony, Romaine’s ascension to the highest county position is truly the culmination of a decades-long career, with him taking the helm of the nation’s largest suburban county at a time when tried and true leadership is necessary.
In addition to the typical level of respect assumed for officeholders, regardless of position or party, Romaine seems to effortlessly command respect from any room he walks into. With countless elected officials from across the county behind him in support, we are truly optimistic not only in our confidence in his leadership, but the consonance and unity that we interpret as being genuine. That makes it an even greater day for Suffolk; we believe it’s the most palpable unity and collective dedication to constituent service we have seen in the modern political era in a long time, and we know many other elected officials across Suffolk County who earn similar support and cooperation.
By checking the bags of partisanship and discord at the county seat, we believe that just two days into the term of a new county executive and a new county legislature, we’re off to a great start. The county legislature is also not as deadlocked and discordant as it once was, another valuable tool in the transformation of Suffolk County.
So, while realism and optimism can certainly go hand in hand, there are many cases where it might be best to keep them somewhat separate. We don’t necessarily mean by a chasm, but maybe a gap is realistic.
We are confident in closely combining optimism and realism with the onset of a new set of representatives in a time when they’re most needed, especially with our effective incumbents restored to their seats and some freshmen electeds getting a much-deserved shot at leadership. Congratulations to our new County Executive Ed Romaine, the members of the Suffolk County Legislature, and our Town officials as well!
