Down The Sewer Pipe – Politically Speaking

Just because you think you know the process that governs your jurisdiction, does not mean that you actually understand it.  A great number of elected persons think that they, once elected, can ignore the constitution of the United States of America.  They firmly believe that they are endowed with special powers, somehow, and can do what ever thy please

This is how we wind up with laws being passed that govern human behavior.  No smoking everyplace, not even your own home, a special charge for grocery bags, and so on.  It is also how laws become into being that are counter to how things actually work.

 Take the time to learn the process of government in your area. Learn the process of budget creation, infrastructure repair, placing tings on an agenda and so on.  Have some basic understanding of the rules that govern the conduct of meetings and the perception of the public

I took a year to learn how the water plant works, what the previous councils commitment was concerning parking lots, public rest rooms, how the sewer plant works, how the roads department works, how the Town of Friday Harbors legislative process works and the general workings of government.

This would prove to be of great value in the future, I served for a total of eight years.  The primary value was that I didn’t make decisions that effected the various departments, which would be illegal.  Since I knew how the budget process worked I knew that the first foray was just a wish list.  While the local newspaper would proclaimed long and loud, as it did every year, that the proposed budget was out of balance; I knew it was just a matter of removing the things that the Town couldn’t afford. 

Learning the process and the proper manor of getting things done under the glare of open meetings and the public scrutiny.  Will make you more effective, give you a better view of the issues, and make your job more pleasant to do.  Additionally, you will spend less effort wasting everyone’s time and contribute ideas that work evenly for everyone, not just the few.

Sherman