If any city, state, country or region doesn’t know where to start when leading their people through these challenging times, you have someone to look to: Governor Charlie Baker of Massachusetts, USA.

Normally, my life revolves around issues and movements at the Federal level, as I am both a Federal employee and a military spouse.  We move frequently, and take a ‘do no harm’ approach to local and regional politics.  Our hands-off approach is in recognition of our short time in the area in which we will live, and the longer term impact which voting locally means.

So, even here, in my home state, I have defaulted to the expectation of Federal regulations governing my life.  In the current circumstances there are crickets and confusion at the Federal level.

Thankfully, Gov. Baker is in charge, and he is taking no prisoners.  Daily, his afternoon tv briefings update the Commonwealth on issues from personal protective equipment (a.k.a. PPE) availability for hospital employees and first responders to supply chain, to education.  He is well versed in the employment issues caused by the state-wide closure of non-essential businesses, and created his own economic program to address it.  He is clear, direct, and informative.  He is not afraid to say that there are more answers needed, nor to criticize the lack of direction and misinformation coming from Washington.  He is not political in his statements, either.  Instead, he focuses on what needs to happen for the 50 Governors to act in the best interest of their constituents.

There are lessons here for all of us: be clear, know what you need to understand, and be ready to change.  People are always looking for leadership in times of crisis.  Be that person.

I encourage you to view any of Gov. Baker’s daily briefings.  Any one of them will make you feel good to know that at least in one place, the steady hand of real leadership is there.  https://www.mass.gov/covid19-updates