As we start the second month of 2021 we are in the position to support our communities in restoring our faith in public service now that the federal transfer of power to the next administration has occurred. I am hopeful again, after experiencing the Inauguration tradition, that we will regain respect, commitment and honor to democracy as well as unity. I recently came across this quote and it resonated with me as a good analogy for our democratic experiment:
“A perfect marriage is just two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other”
[Attribution: Dave Willis, author; Winston Porter, artist]
While I pondered the events of the last few months, I realized we need to remain forward-focused and project an attitude of possibilities and democratic commitment. It is our responsibility. We cannot give up on democracy and the delivery of local government. A quote by RBG reinforces this for me:
“I don’t judge the past harshly, because they couldn’t perceive things as we do today. But I hope the main theme of the United States- that it welcomes all people, respects all religions, all creeds- that fundamental value will remain and flourish.”
[Attribution: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, National Press Club, July 10, 2013]
It is our local government profession that provides the vision and leadership foundation to move us forward, where the rubber hits the local road as they say. So we must continue focusing on the VLGMA framework of V for leading with our Vision, Values and L for delivering strong community-based and collaborative Leadership. Two relevant Code of Ethic tenets to ponder this month are:
Tenet 1. We believe professional management is essential to efficient and democratic local government by elected officials.
Tenet 2. Affirm the dignity and worth of local government services and maintain a deep sense of social responsibility as a trusted public servant.*
Let’s continue to connect these tenets to the Declaration of Ideals (adopted in the early 1980s, https://icma.org/declaration-ideals) given relevancy to today’s society, culture and community challenges. Of the eleven ideals two resonated with me this month as aligned with the above tenets:
Ideal 1. Provide an environment that ensures the continued existence and effectiveness of representative local government and promotes the understanding that democracy confers privileges and responsibilities on each citizen.
Ideal 2. Recognize the right of citizens to influence decisions that affect their well-being; advocate a forum for meaningful citizen participation and expression of the political process; and facilitate the clarification of community values and goals.
To translate these tenets and ideals into the intersection of our professional and personal roles consider answering these questions:
1) Do you refuse to give up in the face of policy or funding challenges requiring new research or direction?
2) Do you really respect everyone by action not just words? Have you truly assessed your own implicit biases?
3) Are you a leader and voice for democracy in your community?
4) Are you open to polar opposite opinions and perspectives?
Turning questions into Action, here are some ideas:
1) Consider implementing the City of Richmond’s concept for citizen’s local choice on $3M budget allocation;
2) Implement an Equity Lens diagnostic tool such as the City of Roanoke model;
3) Contemplate the full text of Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem;
5) Complete a 360 degree evaluation and develop annual improvement goals.
So as we renew our commitment to democracy, at the local community level, let us execute on key words from Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem:
“But while democracy can be periodically delayed,
it can never be permanently defeated.”
and
“The new dawn blooms as we free it,
For there is always light,
if we’re brave enough to see it
if we’re brave enough to be it.”
[Attribution: Amanda Gorman, Youth Poet Laureate, January 20, 2021]
Welcome to our newest VLGMA members: Alan Brewer Director, Bldg & Development, County of Loudoun and Saige Hill, P.A. & Policy Ph.D. Student, Old Dominion Univ.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the virtual 2021 Winter Conference which will be rich in educational and networking opportunities. The content is well timed: “Leading in Challenging Times: Local Impacts of Civil Unrest and A Global Pandemic”.
Stay safe, healthy and remain strong, Cindy
