Can’t We All Just Get Along Establishing Good Council Relations By Erika D. Peterman The old adage “You can choose your friends but not your family members” is apt when it comes to relations among city council or commission members. A group of disparate individuals, each with his or her own opinion and unique worldview, charged with working together for the betterment of their communities. As anyone who has observed council meetings knows, it’s not always smooth sailing. The issues are often complex and can lead commissioners into difficult, contentious territory. Bob Lee, director of the Center for Florida Local Government Excellence and a former city manager for the cities of Naples and Gulfport, said it is important to remember that council members are first and foremost human beings who are, as Dale Carnegie said, not creatures of logic but of emotion.
34
“That can’t be overemphasized,” said Lee, who is also an assistant professor at Florida Gulf Coast University. “Every word they hear is filtered through a lifetime of experience. One word to one person may mean (something else) to another person.” Yet, collegiality and cohesiveness are important ingredients in getting things done. How can council members overcome their differences to do their jobs effectively? Regardless of whether it is a mayor-council or councilmanager form of municipal government, good listening and communication skills, self-awareness, a willingness to set aside ego for the greater good and being educated on the issues are all part of the mix, experts say. “This isn’t personal. This is all about the city,” said Lynn Tipton, director of the Florida League of Cities’ FLC University. “You’re one of five or you’re one of seven. What can you do to build a relationship where you learn to at least trust each other with regard to the city’s business?
SOUTH DAKOTA MUNICIPALITIES
