For the 14 families who lost their loved ones in the San Bernardino, Calif., murders at the hands of two terrorists, there were no holiday celebrations this year.

Due to the failed immigration policies of President Obama, one of the terrorists, Tashfeen Malik, was permitted to enter the United States on a K-1 visa, which is also known as the “fiancee” visa. Malik was vetted by both the United States Citizen and Immigration Services, as well as President Obama’s State Department. She was determined to pose no threat to the United States, and subsequently entered the United States to marry her fellow mass murderer husband Syed Farook. All of this took place as both killers were scheming to carry out a terrorist attack, according to FBI Director James Comey.

There is no doubt that a comprehensive investigation will find that many warning signs were missed. This will be of no comfort to those who lost their loved ones.

What the investigation will likely show was a failure of leadership starting with the President’s failed immigration policies, and continuing right down the government chain of command.

Good leadership is critical to the success of any government agency. San Bernardino is the perfect example of what happens when government leaders fail to lead.

For many years the residents of Westfield have been well served by their Republican leaders at the local, county, state and federal levels. Elections will be held here in the village of Westfield and throughout the country this year to determine who our future leaders will be.

The election cycle will quickly be upon us with the village elections to be March 15. Unfortunately for the residents of the village, one of their Republican leaders will not be seeking re-election, and will be retiring from public life.

Village of Westfield Trustee Dave Brooker has notified the Westfield Republican Committee he will not be seeking re-election for another two-year term in March. During his six years of service on the village board, Dave displayed those key leadership skills that seem to be lacking at the White House.

He faced a number of contentious issues during his time in office. Before making any decisions, he would ask two important questions of himself, and those he sought counsel from. Those questions were, “Is this the right thing to do?” and “Is this action in the best interest of those I represent?” Agree or disagree, you always knew he was a man of integrity who desired to serve the public.

He will be greatly missed, and on behalf of the Westfield Republican Committee, I thank him for all the good he has done, and I wish him well in the next chapter of his life.

The Westfield Republican Committee now sends out a call to those who are willing to lead with integrity and vision. Those who desire to be part of the solution are encouraged to attend the Westfield Republican Party Caucus, which will be Thursday at 7 p.m. in Eason Hall.

If you are a registered Republican who lives in the village of Westfield, and want to run for a seat on the village board, you are encouraged to call 326-6550 well in advance of the caucus.

The Westfield Republican Committee looks forward to the next generation of leaders, and we look forward to seeing those leaders and their supporters at the upcoming Republican Party Caucus.

Tom Tarpley is chairman of the Westfield Republican Committee.