With the seating of newly elected members, there are a few new faces on South County city councils recently.
We’d like to welcome the new councilors and thank them for their commitment to public service.
That being said, the Enterprise has a few words of advice to the rookies – and to the established council members as well.
• Respect the audience and staff’s time and finish at a reasonable hour. Some discussion on agenda items is a good thing; discussions that go round and round, without resolving anything, don’t help anybody.
• Do your research ahead of time. The packet that comes with your council agenda has loads of relevant information; familiarizing yourself with it beforehand will help streamline meetings.
Also, keep in mind that your job is legislative in nature – leave the details to city staff.
• Avoid “do-over” votes. Don’t make a decision one week, then unmake it the next. Unless the vote was illegal, stand by your decision.
• Most important – pay attention to your constituents. When someone gets up to address the council, give them your full attention. Don’t start typing on your laptop or twiddling with your iPhone.
A word to the citizens as well: Stay engaged in civic activities. You may not have voted for these people, but they’re now your city’s leaders. Keep informed on what they’re doing and speak up, especially when it matters to you.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
