Maine
Opinion: Advice to Maine’s new elected leaders
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Ethan: This week tons of of newly elected public servants will probably be sworn in, from the Legislature to metropolis councils to pick out boards. Any perception?
Phil: Notice that on day one, as you elevate your proper hand, you’ll really feel like a rooster. After which, on day two, you’ll rapidly really feel like you might be nothing greater than a feather duster.
Ethan: From sworn in to sworn at.
Phil: My second piece of recommendation is to disregard all of that. The noise will get loud and essentially the most profitable legislators don’t learn their each day clips, they be taught to remain calm within the storm. You have been elected for a motive. Believe in these outcomes and act as you see match.
Ethan: So, within the nice debate of our consultant democracy, it sounds such as you stand extra on the facet of doing what your conscience says, even when that goes in opposition to what your constituents say.
Phil: Hopefully these two are in the identical place more often than not. However sure. You’ll by no means be capable to ballot everybody in your district, and even in the event you might, I wouldn’t belief these polls. You’ll know in the event you have been far out of line lengthy earlier than the following election.
Ethan: I are inclined to agree, though I do fear in regards to the affect of lobbyists and marketing campaign contributions. These highly effective forces can pull you from what your constituents need and want, after which assist you to get reelected if the folks discover. Which is why my recommendation is at all times: Query the whole lot you hear from these paid to let you know what they’re saying (each public officers and personal advocates) and keep near your constituents.
Phil: Simpler stated than carried out, however sound recommendation. I discovered that one of the best lobbyists have been those that would let you know what it’s essential to know, are sincere with you in regards to the execs and cons of any concern, and have been candid about who will or gained’t like whichever vote you solid.
Ethan: I at all times made it a degree to ask lobbyists, “Who disagrees with you and why?” In the event that they have been lower than forthcoming or nonetheless attempting to spin me, I knew to look elsewhere for honesty. This was true for each lobbyists on the appropriate and lobbyists on the left.
Phil: And what was your technique for staying in contact along with your constituents? For me, it was at all times returning calls inside 24 hours and attending any and each occasion I probably might. You by no means knew what look may elicit some vital piece of data or create a connection that was significant to somebody. Whether or not an innocuous ribbon slicing or an organized city corridor by an offended constituency, your job is to indicate up and pay attention.
Ethan: Hear, hear. As mayor I truly went a step additional and did one thing we known as “Strim on the Road” the place I might actually sit behind a desk on any random sidewalk and simply take questions and issues. It was so humbling to listen to the on a regular basis struggles folks wanted assist with, and the way a lot, usually, they appreciated public service.
Phil: “Strim on the Road?” Seems like an animal that didn’t make it to the opposite facet of the street.
Ethan: There have been definitely some who wished to show me into roadkill.
Phil: Being seen with and engaged along with your constituents actually issues. That is more difficult to do in rural districts with much less density, however I might encourage others to discover a related option to keep in contact. Maybe it’s the solely option to hold from going from rooster to feather duster to the mud bin of historical past.