A council’s success in getting things right is demonstrated by its results. As is also its success in functioning within its conflicting and competing roles .
Candidates standing for local government often do so because they believe it will put them in a better position to address a single issue of specific personal concern. Sometimes such a belief emanates from a conflict of interest. Once elected, those candidates discover that their conflict of interest renders them powerless to address their issue They might even find they would have had more influence if they had not been elected onto council.
Above all, the positions of mayor , president or chairperson and CEO and general manager are paramount. Their roles are the vital stabilising factor in every aspect of local government and its politics. To maintain cohesiveness , the general manager has to create the right workplace environment .The better a council’s reputation is for efficient delivery of services, the easier it may be for the council to deal with other levels of government on a truly bipartisan basis. Those mayors who rise above the mainstream of their councils to demonstrate both magnanimity and equanimity should become in character something very fine.
Councils that fully understand their roles are well equipped for the challenges of the future.
Well positioned to set the pace in producing tangible results in fundamental activities, they are able to focus on improvements in the quality of their services to the public.
One of the most significant measures of a council’s achievements in carrying out its political social and corporate roles is the extent to which elected and appointed members act together to achieve an identified direction of their organisation.
Reflected in those councils that come alive in every different circumstance and occasion, formal and informal, their direction starts emerging initially from spirited but positive discussions at all levels.
In these councils, according to circumstance, bi partisan teams will convene regularly, coming together to discuss, argue, formulate and initiate council policy .
In doing so, sparks will fly and political ideals conflict before ideas soar and thoughts crystallise. But because of the way issues have been addressed in detailed preparation by staff outlining each and every different path or option available, with integrity of leadership, the final formation is unified and effective. Their direction is by now crystal clear.
As a result, in the context of local government’s value, everyone is talking to one another about what they themselves have achieved and how their approach is enhancing the future of their neighbourhood, town, city or region.
Animation of this kind might well lead to something enduringly noble. If it does, it may not need a leap of faith to hear other levels of government acknowledge that local government puts them to shame.