A Great County Commissioner, Our Dad
I'd like to start his letter with a Bible verse. Proverbs 17:27 says, “A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even tempered.” And that’s my dad. He’s always been a man of few words but they’re always full of wisdom.
Over the years, my dad has shared countless bits of wisdom with me that we all endearingly refer to as ‘Life Lessons with Stephen Brand.’ I’d like to share a few of those with you now:
- Always do the right thing even when no one is watching
- Appreciate what you have while working for what you want
- Whatever you’re doing in life, don’t get out worked
But the one that has always stuck with me is this, “You have two things in this world: your word and your work ethic and you better make them both good.”
As a young adult, I now realize that our dad was modeling the effort and sacrifice it takes to be successful in whatever you’re doing in life. To truly take care of your people, to always do the right thing, to never get out worked and that you can determine your own future. And what an amazing education it has been.
My dad is a kind, patient, hard-working, considerate, and humble human being. Somebody with a near-boundless capacity for curiosity, who taught us that the relentless pursuit of knowledge is one of the most important aspects of life.
He excels in leading. Leading people, teaching people, and helping people. He has a passion for driving his team forward with enthusiasm, inspiration, and motivation. He invests time with each and every person to determine their strengths and needs along with making them feel valued. Our dad is kind to everyone. He’s kind to strangers, kinder to his friends, but there is no one he loves more than his family.
Everyone in the world has a different opinion about what a superhero is and mine might differ than that of yours. Growing up, our father was our superhero, and he still is. I'm very proud to call him my dad. For many reasons; he’s a protector, a caregiver, and a leader. But the one I remember most is that he always showed up for his kids, no matter what.
We grew up as a sports family — our father was always a coach or involved in what we were doing, no matter how busy he was. He was always at every ball game or track meet, along with our mom. For us girls, it was track and cross country meets. He would keep record of every race we ran. The date, time, distance and if we PR’d or not. I always knew within the next few days; he would come to us with several different things we could do to improve by the next race.
For the boys, it was baseball. He would keep record of every game they played. The date, what field, who they played and their stats. Then, before they knew it, he was going to them with ways they can improve by the next game. He’s always expanding his knowledge, whether it’s to help someone else or to gain knowledge for his personal use.
But you’re not going to vote for him because he’s a superhero in my eyes. Rather for the reasons we think anyone should run for a leadership role. Every leader needs empathy, first and foremost. Every leader needs compassion and a drive to help all walks of life. Every leader needs the ability to adapt, protect, and create change. That’s my dad.
He is living proof that you're not confined to the hand you've been dealt or that you need a college degree to be successful in life. The things he has done, the huge amount of success he has achieved, the journey he’s been on, and all the amazing things that are still to come; all of this fills me with awe, love, and respect.
I will end this letter with asking for your consideration on voting for our dad, Stephen Brand, for County Commissioner. For he is truly a man who will help all of us usher in a bright future for Delaware County. Thank you.
Elizabeth Brand
My name is Mary Katherine Brand, and my dad is running for Delaware County Commissioner. Choosing the right person for your county commissioner is crucial, as it directly impacts the future of Delaware county. I firmly believe my dad is the perfect candidate for this role. With his extensive experience, exceptional leadership qualities, unwavering work ethic, and remarkable interpersonal skills, my father possesses all the necessary attributes to excel in this role. Having grown up closely observing his dedication, leadership, and commitment to our community and our family, I am confident that he is the best choice to serve in this crucial role.
My dad’s unwavering support has been the cornerstone of my life. Growing up, my parents instilled in all their children the importance of responsibility, gratitude, strong work ethic and integrity. As long as I can remember, dad has fostered a sense of probity in all of us children. Throughout my childhood he supported me in whatever path I had chosen to take. Throughout everything, he has stood by me offering guidance and encouragement. Whether it’s supporting my aspirations or navigating through challenges, his belief in my abilities and work ethic has been a constant source of strength. His influence has shaped the person I am today, instilling in me values that guide my choices and actions. His honesty, fairness and commitment to doing what is right has shaped my understanding of integrity and contributed to my moral compass.
He has a tireless work ethic, something modeled consistently for his children. We were taught to never be outworked and always do your work to the best of your ability. His commitment to providing for our family and ensuring our well-being is evident in the long hours he dedicates to his work. His hardworking spirit serves as an inspiration, instilling in me the importance of diligence, perseverance and determination in the pursuit of goals. My dad’s intelligence is something I’ve always admired. His wealth of knowledge spans various subjects and has made me curious to learn more about myself and a multitude of other things. His stimulating conversations always motivate me to dig deeper and learn more.
My dad has a proven track record of effective leadership positions throughout many decades in Delaware County demonstrating his ability to address challenges and make informed decisions that benefit our community. His deep understanding of the issues facing our county, coupled with his passion for positive change, sets him apart as a candidate who can truly make a difference.
I have witnessed firsthand the countless hours he has dedicated to various community initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to making our county a better place for everyone. He has consistently shown a genuine desire to improve the lives of those around him.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly believe that my dad is the best candidate for County Commissioner. His experience, values, and dedication uniquely qualify him to represent our community effectively. I urge you to consider his candidacy and support him in bringing about positive change for our county.
Mary Katherine Brand