For me, most interpersonal conflicts come down to some rather simple things. One is the golden rule (which I often fall short on following) -- that is to treat others as you want to be treated. Also, many times it's better to try to resolve interpersonal conflicts privately -- rather than in a theater with everyone watching. That's all the city hall counseling sessions are -- great theater -- great fodder for talk radio and for this list -- but ultimately sometimes of questionable value. It's hard to get really valuable and honest "therapy" done in such an environment. I'm not saying that a professional facilitator for these types of sessions isn't worth being paid $175 an hour. Other consultants -- lawyers and computer consultants frequently charge much more than that. I've worked in Mental Health in the past. One of the important parts of therapy is the confidentiality.
The City has an Employee Assistance Program. I think Council members should use that Employee Assistance Program to discuss these issues -- or they could use the health insurance they have to get the help they need to deal with these conflicts. This type of thing is part of every job. In the meantime, I don't think it's too much to ask that they behave in a professional manner towards their colleagues even if they don't personally like them all. The folks making the deal with Colvin Roy the night before met after 11:00 PM to make that final deal. Do intelligent decisions get made in that way? Barb Lickness writes: I think Natalie showed her collegues that she should not be underestimated or dismissed and that you can reconsider your decision right up to the minute of the vote and have a powerful impact as one person. ============================= Sure there is a point to this -- but there is also a point to being direct with people that you told otherwise on something that you have changed your mind. I don't have problems with politicians changing a position after they have gotten more information. That's appropriate. However, Natalie showed Robert Lilligren big time with this performance. It bothered me that Natalie has not been able to state clearly why she voted the way she did when asked about this by reporters. Barb continues: As for Sandy, I think she also had a right to change her mind and she proved that, loyalty pledge or not. ================================================ Sure she did. However, she could have had the courtesy of telling Ostrow she was going to do what she did before she voted on it. I've appreciated Lisa McDonald's analysis of the situation. I also want to say that I appreciated Gary Schiff's act of calling for unanamous vote in favor of Ostrow after the outcome was known on that race. I also was impressed by Scott Benson's performance at the council meeting. <<I am sensing what appears to be a "poor v.s. rich ward" alliance emerging here. Anyone else seeing that? Any thoughts? There hasn't been an issue yet that has tested that theory, just a sense on my part at this point.>> I see it more as a far left vs moderate alliances. Robert Lilligren got the support of myself, and many other moderates (and believe it or not there are moderates -- and yes -- conservatives -- who live in the 8th ward). Since he has been elected, Robert's actions seem much more leftist than his campaign rhetoric suggested. Gary Schiff is similar. Both Robert Lilligren and Gary Schiff making statements supporting reparations at Lucille's Kitchen is an example of this. At this point it makes a lot of sense that both Robert and Gary were Nader supporters in 2000. What is so interesting is that among Republicans, most people would say I'm a flaming liberal -- but in Minneapolis, I feel like I'm a charter member of the Vast Right Wing conspiracy. I'd like to welcome former Council Member Lisa McDonald back to the list. Personally I'd like to see Lisa switch parties and come over to the GOP -- and run as a Common Sense Republican for Mayor in 4 years. After 4 years of left and far left in the council, the city might be ready for such a mayor. The whole thing of a public council foodfight is very entertaining -- just like Jesse the Daddy Ventura is entertaining. If this stuff keeps up the council meetings ratings will go up on MTN. Ofcourse Jerry Springer gets good ratings too. I think Lisa McDonald said it very well here: <<One last note, I'm all for facilitation and getting along, but unfortunately City Hall is not a private company and so because of the open meeting law everything one does is under a microscope. Personally I think these folks jumped the gun, and given a few weeks to let strong feelings die down, things would have worked out. Ultimately you have to get your colleagues to go along with projects, ordinances and actions you want passed by the Council and so alliances shift and change and people learn to be cordial to get things done.>> Well said Lisa. Welcome back to the list. Eva Eva Young Central _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
