Mike Howley is the kind of person you wish ran your town

Have you ever talked to someone who lives in Hickory Hills about Mayor Mike Howley? They all get the same, friendly smile when you mention his name. Even those people who don't agree with him on a specific issue say nice things about Mayor Howley.

It's refreshing to find a politician people actually admire. Personally, I admire Mayor Howley for his ability to be honest about his opinions and positions without alienating his community. It's takes a deft touch for a politician to be so honest and still keep his job.

During the recent school referendum campaign, Mayor Howley walked the building, talked to the architects and engineers, made his decision and announced his position. When people asked us about Mayor Howley, it was refreshing to be able to state his position clearly, without any of the normal, seeking-a-cover political babble.

Whenever I told someone who didn't support the referendum that Mayor Howley did support it, the person accepted the decision. Many times I heard something like, "I think he's wrong, but I know Mike's a good guy who is working hard for Hickory Hills." I also had a lot of people tell me they disagree, but felt like Mike was always doing what he thought was best for the community. They told me that even when they disagreed they knew Mike made a well-thought out decision.

I wish more politicians would take a cue from Mayor Howley. It's refreshing to find a politician who has such a strong moral compass that people truly believe that he is working in their best interests, even when those people disagree with the Mayor.