As I've been doorknocking, I've been asked to describe what I'd do differently at City Hall as the Mayor. I'm writing one of my response here -- my overall philosophy of government. This should give you a better idea of what to expect from me as Mayor of Cedar Falls...and for that matter, as a City Councilor.
The Mayor and Council don't work for the government
While I greatly appreciate the expertise and perspective of city staff, I also keep a respectful distance, because we're not their colleagues or fellow employees -- we're your representatives to the government, and we must be ready and willing to hold the government to account when necessary. The Mayor and Council are no more (or less) important than the staff -- we just have very different roles. I address senior staff by their title and last name -- not by their first name (especially in public). It's important to me to be friendly but not overly familiar with staff -- both to show respect for their positions, and to preserve the dignity and integrity of our differing roles.
A healthy skepticism
As a student of public policy and government (with over 20 years of federal and state government service), I've learned that government actions and words ought to be taken with a bit of skepticism. That's why, when I read a council packet, I keep in mind there's likely a 'rest of the story' out there to consider as well. Elected officials must thoroughly carry out our oversight responsibilities to ensure that the government we're elected to oversee is operating in the professional, efficient, ethical, and fair manner you expect. Not just 'calling balls and strikes' at the council meetings, but learning what's really going on. Here's how I carry out my oversight duties now as a Councilor, which I'll continue doing as Mayor:
- Reaching out to those who may be impacted by the city's decisions, to ensure their voices are heard as part of the process (I do this as I read the council packet, by e-mailing or texting stakeholder groups that I believe may want to weigh in on the agenda topic under consideration)
- Regularly participating in ridealongs, tours, and other activities which show the government's interaction with residents from the 'deckplate level' (to borrow a naval phrase) to augment/triangulate what's being told to us by senior staff. That's why I'll be listening in on 911 calls at the Consolidated Dispatch Center for a few hours tonight, and why I go out on patrol with police and fire quarterly, and with CFU and other city departments whenever possible.
- Relating to other citizens by actively participating in the 'day to day' civic life of the community. I'm a frequent user of the Aquatic Center, Public Library, Farmer's Market, Municipal Band Concerts, rec trails, etc...partly because it's fun, and partly to observe how these important services are being carried out by the city for our residents.
- Properly carrying out our legal duties to retain the integrity and autonomy of the City Council as required by our ordinances. That's why I voted down the Public Works Director appointment...because it was obvious that the decision had already been made, and the council vote was merely a formality.
- Committing to carrying out significant discussions and deliberations in full public view, rather than one-on-one, in unnecessarily 'special meetings', or behind closed doors. The Iowa Open Meetings Law requires our deliberations to be conducted publicly, so when I have one-on-one meetings with the City Administrator, we avoid getting into discussions about whether I'm "for" or "against" any given topic we cover general issues, and it's a great learning time for me. My actual policy discussions happen with the rest of the council at our Council Meetings....as it should be.
- Actively seeking out avenues for outreach and engagement with residents. I often wear my Council nametag out in public. I believe it's very important for you to know who your elected officials are, and to feel comfortable approaching us and asking us questions, or just giving us a piece of your mind. It's our job, and I don't shy away from it. That's also why I blog, do 'office hours', and have an active social media presence on Facebook and Nextdoor.com. I'm discreet and discerning about how I handle the information I received, and information, work to corroborate stories and understand what's really happening. Getting to the truth (or as close as we can) is ultimately why you elected us, and it's a critical aspect of government oversight.
The Mayor as the Chief Elected Official
In 2015, the city transitioned from "mayor as chief executive" to "mayor as political leader" when the City Council created the City Administrator position. Given this structure, I view the chief role of the mayor as being the citizens' designated representative to ensure that government affairs are being conducted to the public's satisfaction. The mayor isn't there to set government policy (that's the council's job) but instead to bring forward a shared vision with the City Council of what we want to be as a community, and to actively work the system to help get us there. As the city's "first citizen among equals", this position of Mayor requires servant leadership in order to effectively serve as an advocate of the people TO the government. The biggest trap is when an elected official confuses that role, becoming compromised and assimilated as "part of the system" To paraphrase President Reagan, when elected officials start thinking of government as "we" instead of "them", it's time to hang up the towel. I firmly recognize that pitfall and will strive to avoid it.
What does this mean for you?
As Mayor of Cedar Falls, I'll keep front-of-mind that I'm serving as your representative to the government, and will not shy away from addressing problems where I believe the city is not serving in the best interests of the community as a whole. I'll continue my respectful and professional dialogue (and good working relationship) with the City Administrator, still keenly aware hat 220 Clay Street isn't my work address...the rest of the city is.
I also appreciate that as a 'temp', I'm just in the Mayor role for a short while (maybe two years, maybe eight - but no more), and will retain a strong sense of humility that I'm not in that seat because I deserve to be, but because you've placed your trust in me to be your representative, which means actively listen to your needs and concerns with sincerity and empathy. Even if we don't agree, you'll know that I've worked hard to appreciate the situation from your perspective; it's what I already do as a City Councilor and I think I can do it just as well as Mayor next year. That said, I hope to earn your vote for Mayor of Cedar Falls on November 5th.