I don't think many could find fault with anything in this document, but I have to agree with David on his general principle that these goals/actions are vague.
As one example, what does "reinvigorate boards and committees" mean? First, I think its great that you are making an effort to cast a wider net for participation in these groups. Fresh blood -- depending on who it is, and their skill set(s) -- often invigorates a group. I assume that is not all you are planning to do, though. Are you going to meet with them, ask them to review and update their mission statements, streamline their procedures and get rid of the government mumbo-jumbo? Or perhaps you are thinking you want to devolve more power to them ? That would invigorate me, if I was on a committee! I applaud your communication efforts, RT. I think using the list is a great way to get your message out, uncensored, unlike what gets published in a press release. And I especially like the humility you exhibit by sincerely asking for ideas from all comers. One cannot learn without humility, and that is a quality often missing from organizations in general. IMHO, you are setting the right tone -- and that is so important in a cultural sense, especially in an entrenched bureaucracy. If you want to shake up city hall -- shake out the poor practices, that is -- promote a culture of learning. Government is especially too risk adverse when it comes to trying new ways of doing things -- people fear punishment if the least little thing goes wrong. The political environment just isn't conducive to learning unless the leaders will protect the learners. My suggestion is that you make it a point to encourage learning in every meeting, in every department. I think good things could happen a lot faster than we think possible if people believed you were sincere about this. Barbara Nelson formerly Seward now living in exile due to lack of affordable housing Burnsville _______________________________________ 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
