An interesting meeting that teases the tantalizing mind and tickles the tongues of democracy. This is how things work on a local level in which we all relate to each other in many cases daily. If you notice there are discussions and there are votes. The vast majority of things are moving in the right direction. There are a few questions and concerns that have come up and its important to sort of ponder that for a minute.
(Hold judgement and just reflect. One you thought about issues critically then make a judgement. Be open to changing that judgement when new information emerges. Its a tough skill to master and it often takes half a lifetime to sort of figure out the basics.).
County government is important because this is where people have influence and where they are most impacted. They know each other on a personal level and most everyone has concerns over the community and its long term health. When I look at governance I think of a few things in my lens as I weigh and judge the possibilities, detractors and opportunities.
(That is not a judgement on anything or anyone...but only a judgement on governance itself.)
-What is the mid, short, and long term impact of choices? Thinking about each choice as important to achieve predefined goals. Typically I think in terms of maximizing strategy. If you don't have goals you don't have a navigation point nor does your ship have a rudder. Most managers anywhere and in any organization move over wave after wave but don't always have a sense of direction so not much gets accomplished (General concept).
-How do I build connections and agreement around a shared vision? Once a vision is formulated (i.e. Delta County as one of the best places to live and invest around its geographic, community and human capital assets; or something like that as a quick thought.) then it becomes easier to sell people around that vision. It allows interested parties to see how certain actions lead to many choices and a larger outcomes. Further, would be investors can see that vision and decide to invest in the community.
-What are the best ways to create greater engagement, trust, and participation by the community so their voice is heard and governances is reflective of the whole community? Increasing transparency, actively reaching out to different community members, soliciting ideas via email/website, etc....While there may be groups one must have a globalizing perspective to connect a big picture and then systems thinking to enact it in a way that benefits all the groups (...as many as possible. Were all in this ship together.).
-Where can I minimize the destructive impact of partisan politics and those who delve into such dark arts? Encouraging the community to manage for the whole entity and not allowing national or personal politics to distort the narrative around things that won't have a positive influence on local life. Remember that in politics, people and parties sometimes have all types of motives that may not be in the best of our communities. My suggestion is to think for yourself and not worry about the parties or their politics. Parties should align around your needs as a community and we should not align around theirs or the system gets a little warped (I get it...it will never happen!). Reflect and decide what you want on a personal level and then consider joining a party or not joining one (I'm starting to like independent third parties now just to improve thinking for both parties by reducing blind button pressing and improving diverse voting perspectives). The ultimate goal is the community and not the ideologies.
-How does one create net positives where investments and activities move beyond paying bills and into creating wealth and quality of life improvements for the community? Quality of life and improving opportunities through investment is vitally important for the long term success of any organization (govt. included). Draw in new business, find them a place, improve employment engagement, train people, clean parks, build bike paths, etc....
-Do you have any ideas of your own? In a free nation such as ours we encourage openness of conversation and openness of ears to encourage a positive dialogue. Those that don't are not really qualified to be in positions of authority because they can't compromise and that can create havoc on taking advantage of strategic opportunities. Do that long enough and the entire entity suffers.
A few links I thought might be helpful:
National Association of Counties Learn about counties and governance. You can see where Michigan counties get revenue HERE.
Evidence Based County Policy Making
Community Resources:
We should also look at some resources to attract high growth industries (including entrepreneurs) as well as community improvement. I didn't look at them particularly that close but examples of how some things can be improved on a local level by funding future net positives to improve the wealth of the area for local residents. Feel free to read and discard...some might not be perfect but I'm more or less just bringing up the point where some focus could be placed to grow the area and the appeal of the area. If they are good look at them if they don't fit move on and find something else.
Still building a landfill so this might help a little. Recycling Grant and for the Solar Panel Discussion Local Energy Grant as well as Rural Energy Grant. One might be interested in Community Health Innovation. Perhaps something on Digital Equity
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