[Mpls] Basic Role and responsibilities of a Council Member

[Joseph Barisonzi]

List,

 

As I watch the municipal elections from a far, -- an unusual and welcomed
position for me - I am inspired to ask a slightly different question. 

 

Beyond a specific stand on an issue, or ideological opinions - what are the
basic skills necessary to be an effective council member?

Rather than reflecting on the differentiating attributes of this candidate
or another - what in fact do people feel are the job qualification for the
position of Council Member?

What are the skills that a person needs to be effective in fulfilling  the
responsibilities of a council member?

 

A sample list to start with:

- Responsiveness: Return phone calls? Follow up to emails? Respond to
letters? Explain votes when asked?

- Reading Comprehension: Ability to read and understand material before the
council? 

- Attendance: Attending Council Meetings? Attending Committee Meetings?
Attending Community meetings? Show up on time?

- Listening skills: Ability to understand someone else's perspective?
Ability to respect another person without agreeing with them?

- Communication: Ability to articulate a position on an issue? Ability to
clearly communicate a policy objective?

- Constituent Service Skills? Manage an office which tracks and follow-ups
on issues? Manage staff in a positive way? 

- Policy Understanding: Basic understanding of policy? Understanding of what
are the departments of the city? Understanding of the different independent
boards and who does what?

- Team Skills: Ability to work with the other council members in a manner
that results in advocated positions to be supported?

- Work Ethic: Make resolutions? Make policy recommendations? Actively
participate in the development of budgets? 

 

What do you think? Why?

 

 

Clearly some of these are more important then others - assume there were two
candidates who you liked equally well, both had stands on issues that were
exactly to yours. 

Now assume you wanted to add to the mix how effective the will be as a
Council Member - what are the specific basic skills needed?

 

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

 

Joseph Barisonzi

Wondering in Willard-Hay

Joseph at JosephBarisonzi.com

612-518-5536