An exemplary officeholder

An exemplary officeholder

I must comment on the pass- ing Margaret Dennison. She was one of the finest persons I have ever known. She was certainly the finest public servant I have ever known. I would like to relate a true story which tells a great deal about her character, and which I think your readers should know.

As a college student, I had volunteered in her campaign for county commissioner. Knowing my interest in politics, Margaret invited me to join her at an Urban League event. The speaker that evening was former Cleveland Mayor Carl Stokes, the first black mayor of any major city in the U.S.

After her speech, Mayor Stokes joined Margaret and me for drinks and friendly conversation. They had served together in the Ohio legislature in the ’60s. Despite being in opposite parties, they had been good friends and worked together on several projects.

Mayor Stokes informed me that he and Margaret had co-sponsored several pieces of civil rights legislation. I remarked that such actions by a Republican in the ’60s must have required some serious political courage. Both Margaret and Mayor Stokes acknowledged that the Republican House leaders were not happy with her because of it.

It was then that Margaret told me that in politics you frequently have to “go along to get along” in your party. But she added that “when push comes to shove, you have to do what’s right and figure that you may only be there for one term.”

That is a sentiment to which all public servants should aspire.

Thomas A. Campbell, Cortland