I once read that politics is the art of getting things done. Or, according to the Greek definition, it’s the practice and theory of influencing other people.
When practicing the art of politics, a variety of skills are needed: negotiation, relationship building, professionalism and others.
I do not agree with everything my political colleagues do. But we can disagree without being disagreeable.
I have to work with a myriad of people in order to bring resources and programs to the community I love. I work with them because no one wins if I work against them.
I’m a coalition builder by nature. I learned how to do that in the Missouri Legislature, and that’s the only way I know how to operate in this game. We’re stronger together than we are individually.
And if some of you think that because I choose to work with people you don’t like, it offends you, then you can take your small-minded thoughts and keep them to yourself.
In the meantime, I’ll be over here working hard to lift St. Louisans out of poverty and rob payday lenders of their customers, and teaching our children and families how to save for college.
Tishaura O. Jones is treasurer for the City of St. Louis.
