The Notetaker's Politics 101:
Build Coalitions, Share Responsibilities & Praise
Build Coalitions, Share Responsibilities & Praise
Councilwoman Wanda Halbert sponsored a resolution for a Teen Summer Youth Program six months after the budget was adopted, which is difficult, and met opposition from the administration who wanted those dollars for an expansion of the ambassador youth program. The Memphis City Council debated the issue and approved reinstating the Summer Youth Program which was dismantled by the Administration.
Now, it is time to announce and administer the program. The Press Conference is announced for today and mentions what the Mayor and the business community are doing to the public. However, not once were the actions of the Memphis City Council acknowledged and we are seeing this program as a result of their leadership! After talking to council members and staff, they were just invited formally to the press conference. This conference should have been coordinated with them because many are just returning from the National League of Cities Meeting and they led this initiative.
If Council and Mayor relationships are to ever improve, his office must understand and practice the principles of shared responsibilities and master the art teamwork.
He did not fail to mention the business community that he values, but the Council's role was not as valued in this press release from him.
It reminds of how the administration failed to get public input on Riverside Drive as it took lanes of traffic from 1000s of motorists to give to a handful of bikers. Had they talked to the public first, it may have recommended that some of the green space be used for biker lanes and not add to the congestion of the Riverside Drive. Especially, after recently adding the new business of the Riverfront Center that has catered events and a more congested street will adds to parking issues and drop-off and pick up issues for guests.
Government is not a private corporation. It belongs to the people and has many stakeholders and their participation should be encouraged, welcomed and valued.
Little by little. I am noticing we are not valued but an after thought. I am also noticing how often we are giving developed and financed public projects to private interests. They sell it to us under the disguise of another way to save money. Whose money, our or theirs? I digress.
Chicago's Mayor is in an election battle even with the POTUS's endorsement, because of some of these same issues...public education and relying too heavy on business to the exclusion of valuing public input.
Effective leaders must find a balance. The Mayor has had six years to find a balance but it has not occurred, yet. How much longer will it take?
