CHANHASSEN, Minn., Jan. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is an open letter from Bahram Akradi, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Life Time, Inc.

Dear Fellow Americans,

I regularly think about the influence of leadership on the well-being of individuals, societies, the environment, and our planet. Whether in our communities, businesses, or even our homes, each of us plays a critical role in uniting people around causes that contribute to a healthier, more productive world.

This is equally important in public service. After all, our elected officials are supposed to lead and unite us for the benefit of all citizens. Let's make it clear to our leaders in public service that we expect them to act in this fashion.

Please join me in asking all of our elected officials — Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, including our President, Senators, Representatives, Governors, and Mayors — to focus on what is best for our citizens and our country.  

Instead of constantly resorting to attacks and counterattacks, let's ask our elected officials to engage in productive and respectful debates so they can prevail with the best approaches that move our nation forward. Only these types of debates, broadcast to all Americans, will accurately inform and empower each individual to form his or her own conclusions. 

Instead of dividing us, let's ask our elected officials — and the media — to unite us and to do so with the mutual care and respect we would be proud to teach our children.

I hope fellow business and community leaders also will join me in asking all politicians and the media to halt the ongoing blame game and, instead, focus on balanced, intellectual, and respectful discussions that address the important issues facing our country.

We need to be the United States of America, not the Divided States of America. Only as a united nation will we solve the real problems we face right here at home, while positively influencing the world around us.

To all elected officials and media, I ask that you commit to lead our nation to unity and alignment for the benefit of our country and its citizens. Please focus on doing what is right for our nation, as leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege. And now that responsibility is to unite America. 

For the rest of us, we each have the power to let our elected officials know how we feel, what we expect, and our desire to be united, not divided. Please take action to ensure your message is heard. #unitednotdivided

Bahram Akradi
Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Life Time, Inc.

About Life Time® – Healthy Way of Life

Life Time champions a healthy and happy life for its members across 141 destinations in 29 states and 39 major markets in the U.S. and Canada. As the premier healthy lifestyle brand, Life Time provides a comprehensive healthy living, healthy aging and healthy entertainment experience throughout its athletic lifestyle resorts that goes well beyond fitness to encompass the entire spectrum of daily life for individuals, couples and families of all ages. More information is available at www.lifetime.life.  

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SOURCE Life Time