With the high rate of recent attacks on women in secluded parking lots, especially during evening hours, the Minneapolis City Council last week approved an ordinance to establish a ‘Women Only’ parking lot at the Mall of America. All security officers, maintenance personnel and even the parking lot attendants are exclusively female so that aRead… Read more »
During a fantastic career in local and municipal government I had the privilege to work with hundreds of wonderful men and women; local residents who stepped up to the plate to serve in a public office. They gave their time, devoted their energies and shared their wisdom to help make their Townships, Villages, Cities orRead… Read more »
It was Christmas Day and Suzie’s Mother arose early to start the holiday meal. Suzy heard Mom in the kitchen and ran down to join her. As Suzy watched, Mom took a large ham from the refrigerator, unwrapped it, then placed it on a cutting board. She then took a knife and cut a thickRead… Read more »
A study conducted by the Association of Women Voters of America {AWVA} in 2012 revealed there are several characteristics female voters find attractive in male candidates running for local public offices {i.e. County Boards, City Councils, School Boards, Township Offices, Village Boards, Parishes and Boroughs etc.}. The characteristics that seem to attract to women votersRead… Read more »
This is one question survey for municipal and local government employees and public officials. Its purpose is to dertermine where you stand on a very important issue. This survey is designed to address a “completely hypothetical situation” in which you would have to make a spilt second decision. Remember your response should be honest andRead… Read more »
After having spent what many might refer to as lifetime in government service I came to the conclusion that there are ten incontrovertible truths local government officials and senior public employees should subscribe to and remember. These ten truths apply equally to Townships, Villages, Cities, Counties, Boroughs, Parishes and School Boards, etc. Ten Immutable TruthsRead… Read more »
It was the first anniversary of the new County Hospital and a communitywide celebration was held to mark this special occasion. After a terrific meal the County Board Chair walked up to the podium and asked if any guests in the audience would like to share how the new County Hospital had benefited their lives.Read… Read more »
After years of local government service and extensive personal observations of public officials I have listed below three comments that – newly elected or appointed -local public officials should never, ever make during a public meeting. These comments have absolutely no connection with the reality of local government. 1. Based on my experience … 2.Read… Read more »
Any easy way to grasp “how to jump start local economic development” is to understand that every community across America {except where the sale of liquor is prohibited by a municipal law or County ordinance} has three types of bars? There are trendy upscale bars – the nightclubs, supper clubs and ethnic pubs. Places whereRead… Read more »
It was local government day and seniors from the local high school were invited to visit City Hall. Those students who took the field trip to City Hall were given a tour of all the City offices and then they had lunch with several members of the City Council. After lunch, they were invited toRead… Read more »