Madrid, the leader the borough needs

I have known and worked with Ron Madrid for more than 15 years. As many in our borough know, Ron has spent his lifetime in service to his country and community.

As a Marine, Ron successfully commanded at the battalion level. That does not just mean he was “in charge.” It means that he was literally responsible for the welfare of hundreds of Marines — their individual competence, fitness, health, morale and their ability to function as a unit. That requires true leadership: one grounded in humility and one that recognizes the dignity of every human being. Ron has continued to demonstrate this leadership in service to our community.

Ron Madrid understands problem-solving. I have found that whether on the national stage or in our local communities, many elected officials seem to hastily develop solutions before really understanding a problem — an approach that often leads to the creation of unintended and undesirable, consequences. Ron understands that a problem has to be properly defined and dissected before solutions can be effectively developed. He is not tethered to special interests.

Ron Madrid and I agree on many things — but not everything. However, this is perhaps where I find Ron’s greatest strengths: he listens, he is fair, he is reasonable, and given a well-reasoned and researched argument, he can be convinced to change his position. This is the type of leader we need in the borough.

I fully endorse Ron Madrid for mayor of State College.

This story was originally published October 23, 2017 at 9:24 PM with the headline "Madrid, the leader the borough needs."