The decision to run for Summit County Council was one I took seriously and approached with intention. It was not something I had initially set out to do, but something I grew into, in large part because of the encouragement of Malena Stevens and the leadership potential she recognized in me. Tha t kind of encouragement matters. It expands who sees themselves in leadership roles and brings forward voices and perspectives that might otherwise remain on the sidelines. Malena is a convener. She is a team player and community builder. She is not intimidated by strong, capable people. She is energized by them. She sees leadership as something to be shared, not coveted, and understands that a healthy community depends on different people stepping forward in different ways and bringing their unique strengths to the table. That mindset is one of the many reasons I support Malena Stevens for Summit County clerk. During her time on the Summit County Council, Malena faced a number of difficult and at times highly contentious issues. What stood out to me was not just that she was willing to make hard decisions, but how she showed up in those moments. Malena’s leadership is authentic, grounded and pragmatic. It is not loud, rigid or divisive like so many others today. Malena leads with a strong spine and an open heart. She has the ability to sit in difficult conversations, especially when people are frustrated, angry or afraid, without shutting down or becoming defensive. She listens. She stays engaged. And she looks for what concern or value underlies the reaction, and the piece that can help move the conversation forward. That is not easy and a valuable skill set in local leadership. We are in a time when it is easier to talk past one another, to assign blame, or to escalate conflict rather than work through it. Leadership that can hold tension and still move toward a solution is critical at this moment, and exactly what Malena Stevens embodies. The role of county clerk is central to how our local democracy functions. It requires not only technical competence, but a commitment to transparency, outreach and public education. It relies on relationships and a foundation of trust that Malena has worked hard to establish. She does not have to learn on the job how to engage with the public, staff, or with other stakeholders. Malena has been doing that her entire career. She understands how these relationships work, and how important they are to the success of local governance. Now more than ever, we need leaders who are willing to do the work, to bring others along, to stay grounded in the purpose of public service, and to protect our elections. Malena Stevens is that leader and that’s why she has my vote for Summit County clerk! Megan McKenna Summit County Council Member The post Leadership we need appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less