First impressions are lasting.

Phyllis Fitzgerald, Mayor of Junction, said that when it comes to your appearance or your community…you only get one first impression.

“Whether you’re meeting somebody or coming into a community or business, the first thing you see might be the last thing you remember and it may cause you to not ever want to come back or it may cause you [to say] ‘I’m going to keep going back’,” said Fitzgerald.

When it comes to the community,  her approach is one of teamwork and leadership.

“That are a lot of leaders in our community, not just the political leaders or the leaders in the workplace, but I feel like there’s a lot of other leaders in our community,” said Fitzgerald. “I really believe that if one person is out doing good – like picking up trash, like I do – I do get a lot of other people who will get out and do the same thing; in a neighborhood, there’s going to be people, or one or two folks that are going to step up to the plate.”

And when by stepping up to the plate, Fitzgerald is referring to taking pride in the appearance and perception of Junction City.

“I really believe in the community, there’s a lot of leaders that live in our neighborhoods; and I would really love to start seeing some of those silent leaders in our different neighborhoods just kind of step out and take the initiative and start taking charge of how your neighborhoods look – their appearance,” said Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald has been an advocate for hometown pride and conducts regular trash pickups in the main entrances to Junction City.

Fitzgerald’s comments, echo that of Commissioner Mick McAllister in “what is the standard that you are willing to live with?” in reference to taking pride in the appearance of the community.