Policy Making & Bureaucracy: The Local Government Perspective

Transcription

1 Policy Making & Bureaucracy: The Local Government Perspective National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Presenter: Jane Bais DiSessa, Deputy Mayor City of Pontiac, Michigan November 19, 2016

2 EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT The basis of effective government is public confidence. President John F. Kennedy City or village council members inspire confidence by conducing business matters in a professional manner, knowing and following parliamentary procedures and establishing a reputation for being an efficient, fair-minded and knowledgeable official.

3 Congratulations, it s official, you ve been Elected! What s next?

4 Welcome to Public Service! I ran for political office because I wanted to: Correct an injustice Make changes in city administration Improve the quality oflife Make a difference Serving as an elected official requires dedication, knowledge, time and commitment.

5 Learn and understand: Where Do I Begin? Your City/Village /Township Charter and Ordinances City Council procedures, meeting dates, agenda procedures, and ordinance preparation Public services provided

6 Where Do I Begin? Meet and develop professional relationships with: Key Staff members, treat respectfully and avoid public criticism Current School, County, State and federal officials Key Business Officials Chamber of Commerce Neighboring City Officials

7 Where Do I Begin? Become familiar with: Current state and federal legislative issues Pending Legal issues Open Meetings Act Freedom of Information Act

8 Keep informed by: Where Do I Begin? Meeting regularly with constituents Attending legislative/educational conferences Meeting regularly with Chief Administrative Officer Reading staff progress reports, local newspapers, educational reports, etc

9 Success is attainable by: Where Do I Begin? Understanding Forms of Government Understanding Roles & Responsibilities Developing a teamwork approach with City Council and Executive Staff Being a good communicator

10 UNDERSTAND FORMS OF GOVERNMENT

11 Forms of Government Strong Mayor: elected legislature and a separately elected executive; the mayor or elected executive is designated as the head of the local municipality. Council/Manager: council is the governing body elected by the public. The manager is hired by council to carry out policies established by the council. Commission: an elected governing board that holds both legislative and executive powers. It is the oldest form of government in America.

12 Forms of Government County: organized local government, authorized in state constitutions and statutes, in an area generally defined as a first-tier geographic division of a state Village: Similar to a city government, its objective is to furnish and fund local public services for residents of an area within a township. (pop > 750) Township: Organized local governments authorized in state constitutions and statutes and established to provide general government services for a defined area. (pop > 2,000)

13 Forms of Government School District: organized local entities providing public elementary, secondary, and/or higher education which, under state law, have sufficient administrative and fiscal autonomy to qualify as a separate government body.

14 Understand Roles & Responsibilities Quality is everyone s responsibility. W. Edwards Deming

15 The Role of a Mayor & City Council Being a legislator, is the primary role of the Mayor and City Council. Together, they form a legislative body which has given authority by the state constitution and state law to create law. However, charter cities, counties and towns have home rule powers which allows elected officials to exercise authority not specifically granted, provided that the state has not specifically prohibited.

16 Primary City Council Duties Legislating for a City/County, Township Directing the enforcement of ordinances Appointing Board Members Transacting City Business Approves City Budget Considers new and/or amended City Ordinances Approves purchasing requests Approves all City Contracts Appoints CEO and other Key employees

17 Primary City Council Duties Attending special local, state and national conferences to stay abreast on legislative issues Provide Community Leadership Protecting the welfare of the city and its residents Addressing citizen concerns

18 Mayor s Primary Duties Official head of the City/County/ Township Executes official documents Presiding officer at council meetings Declares local emergencies Special Appointments Exerts leadership in City/County/Township affairs Election duties

19 The Manager s Role: Duties and Responsibilities Carries out policies adopted by the elected officials Manages city or town services, which may include (but is not limited to) public works, public safety, planning and economic development, resource recovery and recycling and utilities Prepares a comprehensive annual budget and capital improvement program

20 The Manager s Role: Duties and Responsibilities Ensures fiscal responsibility and compliance with modern accounting practices Applies for and administers federal, state and private grant funding Recruits, hires and supervises the workforce, including key department heads Prepares council or board meeting agenda and materials

21 The Manager s Role: Duties and Responsiblities Develops long-range plans with guidance from elected officials Assists in the achievement of common goals and objectives Develops performance measures for municipal services

22 Teamwork Unity is strength when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful thinks can be achieved. Mattie Stepanek

23 Keys to Building a Successful Team Foster a good rapport with the Chief Administrator. Develop positive relationships with local, school, state and federal officials. Requests assistance from the Chief Administrator when dealing with complex issues. Respect institutional knowledge. Ask questions.

24 Keys to Building a Successful Team Understand the charter mandated roles of the City Council and City Administration. Learn the policies, procedures and operations of your organization. Conduct work sessions to establish clear directions for the Administrator and department leaders.

25 Keys to Building a Successful Team Respect appointed staff members by allowing them to lead and manage day-to-day operation. Show public support and appreciation for the work performed by City Staff. Don t undermine Administration by overstepping lines of supervision.

26 Keys to Building a Successful Team Stay focused and remember who you serve. Recognize and thank all Volunteers. Acknowledge the work of Elected Officials and City Staff. Working for your community is a privilege given to very few. Have fun and do something great!

27 Communication One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say. Bryant H. McGill

28 Key Communication Skills Be Clear - Specific Have an Open Mind Focus on the needs of others Bequiet and Listen! Be Empathetic Learn to Understand what is not being said Know your Material Learn to Speak to Groups as Individuals Be Prepared if Message goes Wrong

29 INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES WHERE CAN I FIND HELP?

30 Important Documents to Read and Understand: City Charter Local Ordinances, Municipal Code Adopted Budget Annual Audit Master Plan Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Freedom of Information Act Roberts Rules of Order Vision Statement State and County Regulations

31 INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES: State Municipal Leagues County Offices Federal Legislative Offices Council of Governments School Officials National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO): naleo.org State Legislative Offices Rotary, Lions Club, Kiwanis, Etc. International Hispanic Network (IHN): ihnonline.org National League of Cities (NLC): nlc.org International City/County Management Association (ICMA): icma.org

32 Celebrate Success! The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is to celebrate. Oprah Winfrey

33 Overview: Achieving Success Preparing for Council meetings Ask questions Develop rapport with Executive Staff Develop a teamwork approach with City Council members Understanding Municipal Regulations Keeping abreast on city issues Be Cautious Listen!

34 Overview: Achieving Success Cooperating with other governmental agencies Developing a professional rapport with the media Never say no comment or off the record If you don t know the answer - say so Have a positive attitude Being open- honest Avoiding personal attacks

35 Thank you! Muchas Gracias! Jane Bais DiSessa, Deputy Mayor, Pontiac, Michigan