WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
There are some elected officials who make a lot of money serving us. Most of them have their offices in Washington, D.C. I can’t think of one U.S. Senator or U.S. Congressman who is destitute or holds a part-time job. Once they retire, if they ever do, they continue to receive some sort of big benefit for the service they’ve performed. You can talk about term limits and undeserved benefits until you are blue in the face. There’s not much one can do about it. We don’t have a say when it comes to giving these officials a pay raise or any benefits. They handle this on their own.
There are some local officials, such as City, County and Road Commissioners who do a great job trying to make sure the citizens of St. Joseph County are reasonably happy. These commissioners do not receive large salaries. In most cases they receive some sort of stipend. They did not run for the office they hold to make money. They do it to make a difference and give back to their communities. Some might have dreams of moving on to a higher political office, but most are satisfied to do just what they can here at home.
We are also fortunate to have citizens who have the time and desire to serve on one of the many committees, such as the Library Board, Airport Board, Court of Appeals and the Board of Education, to name just a few.
All of the people I’ve mentioned in the last two paragraphs deserve a big “THANK YOU”. I thank each and every commissioner and committee member for doing what you do. You give up family and social time to serve those citizens around you and I just wanted you all to know how much I appreciate everything you do to keep all of us happy. When was the last time you thanked one of these citizens for stepping forward to serve their community? A “Thank You” doesn’t cost a thing.
If you did not set your clocks ahead one hour last Sunday, you may have been late for a recent appointment. We are now on Daily Savings Time.
I have a feeling that the majority of the readers of this column are over forty-years-old. If you are younger, I thank you for putting up with an old man’s idea of what might be interesting to others. I have a feeling that most of you are nearing the age of retirement. If this is true, it’s the right time to plan for those golden years. If you have put off writing your will or making plans for your estate, you’re not alone. Estate planning is not a chore. It is an opportunity to create your legacy. Estate planning is for everyone, regardless of age or assets. Here are four estate planning essentials:
A Will: A will ensures that your assets will be distributed exactly as you intend.
A Living Will: This articulates your wishes concerning heroic, life-sustaining measures.
A Durable Power of Attorney: This designates a trusted individual to handle legal and financial matters on your behalf.
A Health Care Power of Attorney: This stipulates who will make health care decisions on your behalf, should you be unable to do so.
“Every shaver now can snore six more minutes than before by using Burma Shave.”
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
