Truthfulness: A foundation for life, business, and local government - Yes, even politics!
Truthfulness—it’s like flossing. We all know we should do it, but sometimes we fudge the details. Whether it’s pretending we actually read the terms and conditions (we didn’t) or telling the mayor we love his jokes, (we don’t), honesty can be tricky. But here’s the thing, when it comes to life, business, and yes, even local government, truthfulness isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the glue that holds everything together.
The truth about truth - it matters!
In our personal lives, truthfulness builds strong relationships. Think about your most trusted friends. They don’t just tell you what you want to hear, they tell you when there’s spinach in your teeth. And we love them for it (eventually). Being truthful means being real, even when the truth is inconvenient - like admitting you have no idea how to fold a fitted sheet.
Business and the art of not being shady or getting shut down
Now, let’s talk business. If you want a successful company, honesty isn’t just a moral virtue—it’s a mark of professionalism. Customers remember businesses that own up to their mistakes. They also remember the ones that pretend their "one-day shipping" doesn’t actually take a week. But honesty isn’t just about marketing—it’s about following the rules that keep people safe. A business that follows health and safety guidelines, zoning laws, and fire regulations isn’t just being compliant—it’s showing respect for its employees, customers, and the community as a whole. Integrity builds trust, and trust keeps people coming back. Plus, it’s way easier than keeping track of a web of tiny, well-intentioned lies—or dealing with a hefty fine from the fire marshal or even forced closure.
Government: Where truth matters most – no, really
And then there’s local government. You know, the people who decide things like whether we get new roads or if that pothole outside your house will be part of your life forever. When politicians are honest, we feel like they have our best interests at heart. When they’re not—well, we all remember that time someone promised lower taxes and then mysteriously "forgot."
Truthfulness in government means transparency. It means admitting when things aren’t perfect, instead of pretending everything is fine while the town budget is held together with duct tape and good intentions. It means keeping promises, or at the very least, explaining why they couldn’t be kept instead of blaming Mercury in retrograde, chemtrails, or aliens.
Honesty: The choice that makes life easier
At the end of the day, truthfulness is like eating your vegetables. It’s not always the most appealing option, but it’s the one that keeps everything running smoothly. Whether it’s in our friendships, businesses, or local politics, honesty is what earns trust, credibility, and fewer awkward confrontations down the road.
So, let’s all aim for a little more truthfulness. It might not always be easy, but hey, at least you won’t have to remember what you lied about last week. And if all else fails, just start with the little things, like finally admitting you never understood how to program the TV. (It’s fine. No one does.)
Ken Matheson
District of Clearwater Municipal Councillor
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this letter are my own as an elected councillor for the District of Clearwater. They don’t reflect the official position of the council or the District of Clearwater—because let’s face it, councils don’t do opinions, we do policies. I’m just here to share my personal (and hopefully respectful, fact-based) thoughts, all in the name of transparency and encouraging meaningful dialogue. Think of this as me, not “official council me,” keeping it real.
