Last September, our community found itself grappling with difficult news involving two people who had been part of our local elected leadership. A year later, both are again in the news. For a small community like ours, this is a lot to take in. These stories affect people we know, families we know, and a community we all care deeply about. I hear the disappointment and frustration in the voices of those who have reached out to me, and I believe those feelings deserve to be acknowledged
Yesterday, as our community watched one of these elected leaders begin serving a jail sentence, I found myself reflecting on what it means to hold public office and the responsibility that comes with it.
I have only had the opportunity to work with Cody Bass for the past year, but I want to recognize the nearly eight years of service he has given to South Lake Tahoe. Eight years is a significant commitment to any community, and I have recently come to respect the time, energy, and personal commitment that public service requires. I am genuinely saddened that this is how his service on the City Council is coming to an end. I also believe it is important to respect the legal process and allow his appeal to proceed. We are all human, and I believe we should not be defined only by our worst days, but also by our best and brightest.
Today I feel compelled to continue this reflection and share it out loud. As a nurse, I have been guided throughout my career by the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics. Provision 1 states: “The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.” That principle does not mean avoiding difficult conversations or ignoring accountability. It means that even when circumstances are difficult, we can choose to approach one another with compassion, dignity, and respect.
Those values have shaped not only how I practice as a nurse, but also how I approach serving our community. In both professions, we are entrusted with responsibilities that extend beyond ourselves. When we choose to serve, we take on an obligation to be mindful of our actions, accountable for our decisions, and worthy of the trust people place in us. As nurses, we understand that this trust follows us beyond the workplace and is reflected in how we interact with others. Public office carries a similar responsibility. When we serve on behalf of the City, we represent it not only at daytime meetings and official events, but also in our everyday interactions within the community.
Considering recent events, I don’t at all believe that accountability and compassion are opposing values. People are human. We all make mistakes and face difficult moments in our lives. We can recognize those things while still believing that actions have consequences and that those entrusted with public office have a responsibility to uphold the public’s trust.
I am grateful to the City Council for the opportunity to serve our community, and I do not take that responsibility lightly. I may only have a few months left in this service. However, as I continue in this role, I ask that we all bring the same compassion, integrity, and willingness to listen that have guided me throughout my nursing career. I believe it is what all of us deserve.
–Heather Horgan RN