As we head into the Fourth of July holiday, I would like to thank all my readers who are involved in local government. Whether you are serving on a city or county council, a school board, a utility district, an arts commission, a library board, or as staff, you are doing quiet … [Read more...]
Effective local government depends on grasping issues, mastering procedure, and connecting with colleagues
In these posts we offer insights, suggestions and tips based on our experience working with city and county councils, special purpose districts, regional governance bodies, joint powers authorities, citizen advisory committees and staff. Our approach is professional, easy-to-read, and practical.
How well do you walk this meeting tightrope?
Chairing a meeting requires two skills that are not easy to combine. The presider has to control the meeting, which requires strength. At the same time, he has to remain emotionally connected to the members, which requires warmth. Put too much strength into your voice, and you … [Read more...]
Do we have to obey the mayor?
After a few years in this business, it seems to me that questions of authority are some of the hardest to resolve. Over and over I find city councils, boards of directors, and other governing boards struggling with the question, "Who's in charge here, anyway?" If a group … [Read more...]
The First Amendment is not the last word
In this country today, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution is the foundation of our civil liberty. The freedoms that it lists are crucial to our society. When we read accounts of how these freedoms, in other nations, can be abridged, limited or ignored, we react … [Read more...]
4 bad habits to avoid at council meetings
There are a number of “urban myths” about Robert’s Rules of Order that can get in the way of democratic process for your council. If your municipality, county council, or special district avoids these bad habits, congratulations! If these errors happen at your meetings, however, … [Read more...]
Deflategate highlights texting danger
A million bucks from Tom Brady, and every public official may want to think again about his texting patterns. Attorney Ted Wells found "the import and relevance of those text messages" to be critical in his decision regarding the New England Patriots’ use of deflated footballs in … [Read more...]
Great planning commission resource now free
PlannersWeb, a long-time source of excellent advice for planning commissions, has now made all its content available free to all. Check out their website for dozens of invaluable articles and to-the-point guidance. If you are a citizen member of a planning commission, a staff … [Read more...]
Who may raise a point of order at council meetings?
Over the years of working with parliamentary procedure I’ve found that there is a lot of confusion about the motion “point of order.” In essence, when a person says “point of order” he is making a claim that there has been some procedural mistake. In his view, something has been … [Read more...]