After four months of being Mayor.

Friends,

After 4 months of being Mayor, these are absolutes:

1.  The village citizens are intelligent, street smart, and balanced in their thinking.  When they know and understand the facts, they are excellent at seeing through the rhetoric and the fluff to see the real question as well as the solution.  Trust them to do what is best for the village.  They will always make the right decision

2.  The Aldermen/Alderlady are essential to a strong village.  The five you elected are a bonded team that cares deeply for your village and do not want to do anything to hurt it.  However, they are not magicians pulling rabbits out of the air.  They have to have adequate resources to maintain a healthy village.

2.  Conversation and personal communication are preferred to death by PowerPoint.  Walking the streets, attending the events, shaking hands, listening to achievements and concerns, and getting to know the citizens individually are the keys to trust.  However, trust is fragile and when broken it can never be totally put back together.  Treat it like your mother's finest china.

3.  It is essential to work in an open, transparent manner.  Make sure the information given is correct and factual even if it takes a few extra days.  Town Halls are necessary.  The goal is always to make no major decisions without the citizens having ample opportunity to weigh in.  That is why public hearings and town halls are held.

4.  On tough issues, it is assumed there will be criticism and that everyone will not be pleased.  Consensus is always the goal, however, in the end; the majority wins.  If it is right, hold your ground. If it is wrong, change.  When there is peace and confidence in the heart; it is usually right.

5.  The "good-old-boy" system and out-dated ordinances are the cause of the most difficult issues to overcome.  The hours spent; the confusion and frustration caused; and the hurt feelings made have damaged morale and the spirit of the village.  What is done for one must be done for everyone.  No elected official should ever sign building permits.  There is a temptation to trade signatures for votes.

6.  Always take the high road.  An eye for an eye will only make one blind.  Do what is right, honest, and fair.  Never lie -- they breed other lies.

7.  Anyone trying to do their job will make mistakes.  Apologize and make amends quickly.  Mistakes are not forever.

8.  Avoid being negative.  It is a killing frost that does nothing but harm.  Most people will not tolerate it and will withdraw their friendship quickly.

8.  As Susan McMillan said in a recent email:  "live simply, give generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and trust."


Much has been learned.  Much more will be learned in the days to come.  Thank you for being excellent mentors and coaches.

Very Respectfully, Skip