BY SAMMY JULIAN
MY trusted dictionary defines a politician as “a person engaged or interested in politics.”
It also defines politics as the “science and art of government; political affairs or life or principles etc.”
We can also say that politics consists of social relations involving authority and power while a politician is someone who is actively involved in politics or one who holds or seeks a political office.
However we describe such a breed, politicians play a central role in our lives. They are the concentrated voices of the people that make all efforts to improve their constituencies and people’s welfare.
Good and dependable politicians are delighted to serve the people and consider themselves as servants, and the people their paymasters. They represent the hopes, aspirations and the interests of every citizen.
So what makes a good politician?
Well, we have Iloilo’s Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. as one good example.
For one, Defensor’s qualities are often backed by skills, experience, intelligence, integrity, with instincts – all combined to achieve his goals as a leader of his people.
His best quality, as should be any politician’s, is honesty. He is trustworthy and reliable – it is that simple.
Defensor has captured the essence of truth, displays sincerity and candor, and practices what he preaches. He makes decisions and accepts responsibility for his actions and his words.
The same is true in his dealings with people. He makes promises and keeps those promises. Somebody that people may be relied upon. Serving his people with all his heart, might, mind, soul and striving to help them is a true mark of a responsible politician.
Further, Gov. Defensor has the integrity and technical skills to handle those challenging assignments, fiscal matters, policies, plans, projects.
Integrity is consistency of actions, methods, measures, values, principles, expectations and outcomes. It is doing what is right, both legally and morally, at all times even when no one is looking.
Also, Defensor’s greatest strength is deriving joy in serving people. He knows that a fulfilling and meaningful life is created through service to others.
The Iloilo chief executive is also a transparent politician who is nearer to his people to better understand their problems.
He believes that community service is about giving back. As Theodore Roosevelt declared: “The most successful politician is he who says what the people are thinking most often in the loudest voice.”
This is why everybody knows that Gov. Defensor will leave his constituency better than before elected./PN
