DAVID MCMILLIAN, PH.D.
I use a quote from Henry Ford often on my radio program “Strategies for Living”: “If you think you can do a thing, or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” Last Saturday evening, we were able to witness that unfold right before our eyes in Bossier City. Tommy Chandler, a friend of mine for almost 40 years, became Mayor-Elect Tommy Chandler a little past 9 p.m. when the election results were tallied. Tommy thought he could, he did, and I cannot even begin to express how immensely proud I am for him!
I have to be very honest here. Several weeks back, when Tommy shared with me what he planned on doing, I was very supportive and told him that I would help him any way I could, but I was also concerned about his chances. Tommy was about to qualify for a run against Mayor Lo Walker, who has held the mayor’s office for 16 years and prior, was CAO for 16 years under Mayor George Dement. I’m pretty certain there were many people who shared my skepticism; thankfully, Tommy wasn’t one of them. It strikes me that we can all learn a lesson from Tommy’s tenacity, focus and attitude. When a goal is in front of me, do I say, “I can” or “I can’t”? It makes a difference.
Tommy qualified, giving Mayor Walker an opponent for the first time in a couple of elections. Tommy rolled up his sleeves and went to work. When the ice and snow came, Tommy seemed to transform into “The Little Engine that Could.” I marveled from the warmth of home, as Tommy posted his helping endeavors, buying meals and coffee for first responders, and out in the ice and cold helping people. As my grandmother used to say, “He worked from can to can’t.” Here is what I know now: I know Tommy loves Bossier, that he truly desires to be a great mayor and leader for our area. I think he can!
Hear life coach Dr. David McMillian on “Strategies for Living” each weeknight 7 p.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday morning 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on KEEL 710 AM and 101.7 FM, on the KEEL app. or on our Facebook page, StrategiesforLiving with David McMillian.
THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE March 26 ISSUE OF FOCUS SB - THE INQUSITOR.