So this is what real leaders do

We searched through the pages of Mayoral Responsibilities for Dummies and couldn’t find what we were looking for there.

Then again, the book on Hayden Mayor Steve Griffitts is probably unique.

Griffitts was in Boise last week when first a snow storm and then another kind of storm that starts with “s” hit.

Yes, that was pretty clever, wasn’t it?

Anyway, Griffitts contacted the newspaper after a front-page story described the plight of a Hayden couple whose driveway was blocked by a berm that even the Patriots offense couldn’t get through. It was city officials’ understanding that the bermed-in citizens were actually not Hayden residents, that their property was technically in the county and, therefore, Hayden employees likely didn’t plow them in. That didn’t go over well with the husband and wife on north Maple Street, who then wrote a letter to the editor insisting they are indeed Hayden residents and demanding an apology.

Ready for the rest of the story? Here it is, as told by Judith A. Farrey of north Maple Street:

“I am writing to publicly thank Hayden’s Mayor Steven J. Griffitts for making a surprise visit to our home on Sunday to extend an apology on behalf of the City of Hayden. Mayor Griffitts apologized for misstatements made by city officials about our home in a Press article concerning snow berms. We then enjoyed half an hour in conversation ranging from snow plowing to city growth issues to his past and present civic activities that extend well beyond city limits to area family histories. We truly appreciate Mayor Griffitts’ concern and time not only for us but for our community.

“Finally, to the snow plowers, we know you have a challenging job and we thank you and hope both you and we have a better understanding of each other.

“P.S. In my last letter, it was the editor who identified our location as ‘Definitely Hayden’ with what I trust is his sense of humor.”

The Press dispatched fact-checkers and determined that what Judith claims is absolutely true. We also learned that Griffitts arrived at their home bearing not just humility, but flowers.

Mayor Griffitts, you’re setting the bar pretty high here. The citizens of Hayden are grateful, even if your mayoral colleagues might not be.

P.S.: Judith is correct in suggesting “Definitely Hayden” was added by the editor, whose “sense of humor” has long been questioned by persons of intelligence. Judith closed her statement above with “Just Plain Hayden” and a smiley face.