It appears that my worst fears have been realized: we have made progress in everything yet nothing has changed

Courage is a decision you make to act in a way that works through your own fear for the greater good as opposed to pure self-interest. Courage means putting at risk your immediate self-interest for what you believe is right.

We need to make sure there is some tangible progress in November,

Connie took it all in stride. On one occasion, we ran into the opposing attorney in many of these cases at the airport. Connie extended her hand in greeting, and the attorney refused to take it. 'Oh,' she said, 'you still don't shake black people's hands. Very well, then,' and off she glided to her flight.

I believe there was a fear that damage would be done to the fire district if that were to happen, ... When you have a disruption in the continuity of the district like that, it's not good for the district and I think that's what they were thinking when they held the meeting to approve the contracts.

I think that didn't help my fear. They're not necessarily mean things [that are found], but there's just such an unknown world there.