The Golden Nugget November 2024

Grass-cutting season is over, for the most part (thank goodness—no more lawn mowers in ditches). Election season, affectionately referred to as “silly season”, however, is still in full-effect, and I fear won’t be over until well after the New Year (maybe). Everywhere you look, there is vitriol and malcontent, from the national level all the way down to the smallest of localities at the local level. It’s uncomfortable. Many of us are facing big changes in our elected bodies, and we don’t exactly know what those changes will bring.

As I think about all of this, I am reminded how much words matter. And how much facts matter (some people clearly ascribe to the notion “why muddy the truth with facts?”). The one thing I love about stories is that there are always two sides (at least). In this season of innuendo and misinformation, we in local government management have to work extra hard to make sure the policy makers in our communities have regular access to our “side of the story”. I don’t know about you, but I have not made it a priority to make the time to meet one-on-one with these folks. That has its consequences, however, and I’ve recently realized that I really have to make that effort in order to improve communication, and relationships—I can’t afford not to. Taking time to communicate with elected officials, and candidates for office, using our own words and facts, is the only way we might be able to achieve some balance as we continue to navigate through silly season (or any time, for that matter). And, regular and open lines of communication are so important for establishing relationships and a base level of trust that hopefully makes it easier to work together into the future.

I figure that most people reading this article already have this practice well-in-hand. Good-on-ya! For those who don’t, like me, make time to meet one-on-one with the people who are, or who want to be, the policy-makers in your community. Get to know them—ask about their goals, what defines success for them, how they view staff, etc. And then tell them your side of the story—what you hope to accomplish, what your challenges are, what success looks like for you, and tell them that you want to work with them to do all the good things that need to be done to make your community a great place to be. Finding commonality is a great place to start.

Whatever change lies ahead, please remember you are not alone. Our Senior Advisors and Regional Support Coordinators are available to help navigate whatever happens once newly elected officials take office in January. Colleagues are there also, and no doubt are available to commiserate as needed. Call them.

Until next time,

Debbie

Save the date(s):

VLGMA VACO Luncheon: November 11th

Winter Conference: February 19-February 21st