WHAT I'VE LEARNED

What I’ve Learned Mayor Sharon Goldsworthy

FORMER MAYOR AND DEDICATED VOLUNTEER

Interview conducted by Stephanie Painter. Photography by Alex Ginsburg Photographics

Serving as mayor was never about my goals but about goals defined through our visioning processes and

embraced by our board and city staff. Perhaps the most significant accomplishments were those that some said couldn’t be done: establishment of the municipal school district, completion of Wolf River Boulevard, reducing teen traffic crashes and fatalities, annexation of the Forest Hill/Winchester area, an evergreen sewage treatment contract with Memphis and the community library as a municipal service.

I’m proudest of our Alive at 25 initiative. It helped teens become better drivers, reducing fatalities.

Cities are always in a state of change because people are constantly making choices and because exterior

forces impact communities. However, Germantown chose to manage and direct change, so it benefits the people who live, work, play and visit here. When growth was imminent, we controlled development, shaping and defining it to the best long-term outcomes we could envision.

Nothing gets done by a single person. Everything happens because several or many put their heads and hearts and energy together.

More than 44 years ago, my husband Jim and I chose Germantown for its hometown character, convenience, opportunities to be involved in community and a

defined and shared vision. It’s evolved into a fullfledged municipality, building on those characteristics. Germantown is large enough to provide essentials and amenities, and small enough to enjoy neighborliness and friendships. Although we were born and reared elsewhere, this is “home.”

I have met many people who possess exceptional

character and admirable behavior. I have tried to emulate and embrace their best traits and practices.

I admire Onie Johns, founder of Caritas Village in

Binghampton. She left her suburban life in Germantown to engage in a ministry of presence.

If you’re just starting out, surround yourself with people who are as talented and committed to your mission as

you are. Look for persons who will tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear.

Compromise on issues when necessary, but never

compromise your values. Values are your moral compass. If you adhere to those principles, you will find your way to the right decisions or resolutions.

There are at least two sides—and sometimes three or four sides—to every story. No matter how honest you expect people to be, they may not always share all the dimensions of a situation. Look at problems and solutions from all perspectives.

Ten percent of the people will take 90 percent of your time, if you let them. Being in public service is being a servant to 100 percent, keeping in mind the big picture.

The most valuable professional advice I received was

about expressing thanks. The best business and personal communication is a hand-written thank you note.

There's a lot of humor out there. Look for it.

Reading has first claim on my leisure time. I read newspapers, 20th-century history, historical fiction, mysteries and intrigue. Retirement has allowed me to spend more time in the kitchen, revising old recipes and trying new ones. I like puzzling—Sudoku and jigsaws in particular. And I truly enjoy being a member of several service clubs, combining hands-on service with friendship and fellowship.