Asked and Answered: Rio Communities Mayor Joshua Ramsell

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“Typically, when I drive alone, I have the radio on, or I am thinking about the city.”

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“Often people stop by thinking that an optician is a doctor and can give an eye exam. Only a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist can do an eye exam. With all of these titles sounding similar, people often get them confused.

An optician is the person who dispenses glasses and contacts, reads the prescription and makes recommendations based upon the prescription and patient lifestyle, adjusts glasses and makes repairs to glasses.

An optometrist is an eye doctor focused on correcting your vision, and can detect conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, etc. If the optometrist finds something that needs more attention, they often refer the patient to an ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist is a specialist that focuses on conditions, and treatment of the eye.  This may include surgery, and typically a follow up eye exam.”

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“In high school I was mostly reserved. I enjoyed being in band and learning about history. I was mainly focused on finishing high school and going to college. I did not enjoy algebra or chemistry, but made it through.”

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What is the best advice you’ve ever received and from whom?

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 “‘Perfect practice makes perfect,’ band director Jeff Jolly would say. This is true no matter what you are doing. If you only train or practice in an I-do-not-care manner, or are content with mediocre, then that is exactly what you will get. You will never move past that to excel in what you do.”

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What did you want to be when you grew up?

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 “Growing up I would say I was like most kids. I wanted to be a police officer, firefighter, race car driver, etc.”

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Who inspires you?

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 “My wife. She is my true inspiration. She never stops fighting and is always working towards her goals, even when things get hard. She is proof that you cannot let your current circumstances determine your future and that you can overcome whatever life obstacle you are dealing with.”

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 If you could work any other job for one day, what would it be and why?

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“If I could work another job for one day, I would like to be a dozer operator. Being able to play in the dirt like when I was a kid. But this time, getting the dozer dirtier.”

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“In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family. Whether it be staying at home with them or going out on some kind of adventure, I like to be with my family and watch them grow. I like spending time outdoors, watching movies, going out for ice cream, finding yummy places to eat, and learning about new things. I like traveling and exploring new places; local and far. I enjoy taking quick day trips as well as long vacations when possible.”

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 “I enjoy listening to people tell their stories. Usually, we have more in common than we realize. It is very rare to find someone that you cannot relate to. Often, I think we get so caught up in our daily routines and busy with our lives that we forget that other people are around. People have so much knowledge and experience to offer if we just take the time to listen. Sometimes, listening to others can seem like a lost past-time in society.”

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“The three books I would take are 1. A Bible, so that I remain grounded in my faith. 2. ‘Survive,’ by Les Stroud (survivor man) for useful tips on how to survive. 3. A cook book for seafood and coconut dishes. I don’t think there will be enchiladas on a deserted island.”

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“Turn it in to the local authorities (as much as it would hurt to do so) to try and find the rightful owner. But, in the event that it was not claimed and I received the money, I would call in sick due to the tax burden. Meet with a financial planner to determine that next best steps for my family’s financial future. Ensuring that money is invested so finances would not be a worry for my kids or their grandchildren.

“Finding a way to help in our community that is more than serving the basic needs. Finding a way to help people grow in their skills and provide for themselves, their family and their future. Give others a hand up, not a hand out.”

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“My wife, Jennifer. She is always there for me and willing to listen in a non-judgmental way. We have a lot of fun just being around each other; always laughing and joking. She is there with open ears when I try working problems out and bounces ideas back and forth with me. She always keeps me grounded in the things that matter most.”

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“I can’t say that I have just one favorite song to sing. Whatever good song happens to be playing at the time or that pops into my head. I like many Christian artists, Casting Crowns, for King and Country and Chris Tomlin to name a few. I also enjoy other genres including jazz, classical and country.”

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“My happy place is being at home with my family. Spending time with family is important to me. Time is short and it flies by in the blink of an eye. I enjoy being with my family and watching them grow. From seeing them take their first steps, to them seeming to only know the word ‘no,’ mispronouncing words in the cutest way, watching them make new friends, acquiring new interests or hobbies, the dreaded teenage years and getting them through the last year of high school. My family makes life better.”

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“In 2015, we purchased our home in Rio Communities. I was interested in getting involved with our new city to make a difference. I discussed with other people ways that we might be able to help or donate some time. Many of the people said they would run for various elected positions, get involved with city clean up, or planning and zoning. Unfortunately, none of the others showed up. In the end, I wound up running for city council and never thought I would win. Today, I serve as mayor of Rio Communities and have learned a lot since the beginning of my time in office. The most important thing I have learned is that if you seek change, be willing to be that change.”

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“It’s hard to pick one teacher. Mr. Jolly, my band director, was involved in my life from fifth grade till high school graduation. He had such patience and care for all of his students. It taught me that often you have to be willing to pour into the things that matter most and be willing to wait for the fruit of that labor. You have to be willing to wait for some of the most rewarding moments in life to happen.”

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“One of my favorite movie scenes comes from ‘Gladiator.’

Russell Crowes’ character tells his men just before a battle that what they do in life echoes in eternity. Then he pulls out his sword and they charge into battle. I really enjoy this line because for me it is true in my belief that what we do here, will echo in eternity.

We will be held accountable for what we have done here on Earth. The path we choose to lay out in life needs to be one that others can follow and grow upon. We need to learn from others failures and victories so that we continue to grow. Complacency leaves no room for growth. It is imperative to keep our future, and the future of others, in our line of sight.”

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If you could have dinner with one famous person – dead or alive — who would it be and why?

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 “I would like to have dinner with George Washington. I would like to hear him talk about how hard things were from the beginning of the military campaign; having little to no funds, uniforms, weapons and supplies. Having to hold an untrained army together without pay and convincing those soldiers to stay the course. Encouraging them to keep fighting for the cause while at the same time, trying to keep Congress together in supporting him after constant defeats.” 

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What are you most proud of?

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 “I’m proud of getting involved in my community. A community that decided to take its fate in its own hands. Seeking to make a change for the current citizens and those not yet a part of our community. You must be ever present, but also future minded.”

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 How would you like to be remembered?

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“When it comes to the city, I do not care if anyone remembers me or my name. I did not run for glory or prestige. I ran to get things done for the community. To make a difference for this generation and generations to come. As far as my family, I want to leave a legacy of doing what is right and never compromising in my faith. I want to be an example to my wife and kids as a follower of Jesus Christ.”