Ever a positive voice in the community, Port Arthur Councilwoman Charlotte Moses offered her congratulations to those who work hard each day to make our roads safer.

“To see the hard work you all are doing, you all are doing an excellent job,” she said. “Very proud of you. I like to see what city employees have to do.”

Port Arthur is a town that still offers plenty to those who desire to live and work for a productive life, yet it’s a town where many expect excellence across many occupations, including a little thing called journalism. The expectations are quite understandable, given the city’s position as a port of America and a land of important figures.

Hence, those who give their all but come up short of the mission may not always be given kind words. Former Councilman Randy Haltom acknowledged this point during a phone message he and another Port Arthur citizen left city public works director Alberto Elefaño.

“… Employees sometimes get beat up because they don’t do a good job, but they really did well and I want to thank them and thank you,” Haltom said.

The words became public, the works were made public and the reward of being honored before city council became public. This, in essence, is how the public should work.

Passing a good word comes from the heart, the same source of a job well done. Hearing a good word makes for the greatest impact and strengthens the synergy among those with a common goal. Elected officials and commoners alike know this all to well.

If we’re not helping with what we say, we’re often fighting and defending ourselves with our mouths.

It must be understood that good words don’t always have to be earned through good works. A positive message can catalyze a change for the better, strengthen a weary soul and enlighten a mind.

In my four years here, it’s been my discovery that those who give good words tend to back up their message by being active in worthwhile causes. Those who only assault with opposite thoughts tend to back up their tone with a limited view of endurance amid adversity.

Positive words and positive works are not limited to people of a certain stature. Anyone can speak and do what’s right. All of us love to hear and see what’s right.

The works that follow are unlimited.

May all works be glorified and inspired publicly, privately and personally for the greater good.

I.C. Murrell is the editor of The News. He can be reached at ic.murrell@panews.com.