Grand achievements of leadership from several people and collaboration at many levels are to be applauded in the recent decision to approve a dialysis center in Eastport. So many people will benefit and some lives will be saved as a result.

The “grass-roots” leaders organized by Eleanor Norton, Passamaquoddy tribal leaders, Eastport city leaders, Fresenius Medical Care North America corporate leaders, Sen. Olympia Snowe and other political leaders all deserve great thanks and praise. Gail Kelly, Sen. Snowe’s regional representative, and the staff person at the U.S. Economic Development Administration also deserve tremendous praise. They found the way to a solution that allowed the federal government to reverse its earlier decision.

The ability to “reconsider” an idea, to look at another point of view and to honor another perspective are all examples of exemplary leadership. How wonderful to read in Tuesday’s Bangor Daily News that “the federal government said it had changed its mind.” It is comforting to know that minds can change, that courageous people are among us, that creativity can prevail and that civility and caring for one another is still within the highest leadership level of our country. This was a glorious achievement and a wonderful leadership lesson for all.

Linda Cross Godfrey

President, Atlantic Leadership Institute

Eastport