Jerry Presley

Lessons That I’ve Learned as a City Councilmember

Keep an open mind and be willing to change. Don’t prejudge things.

Don’t take things personally and don’t make things personal.

Trust in government, at all levels, is low. This makes trust in people even more important.  

The City Council establishes policy and direction. The city staff carries out the policy and direction. It's important to understand the difference between making policy and implementing policy. An individual Councilmember can not solve a specific problem; the staff is responsible and accountable for doing that. 

A Councilmember should work to give the staff the tools and resources they need to do their job. Then, they should not interfere.

The city staff knows more about city government than I do. I already have a full time job and this is a second, night-time job for me. It’s a full time job for them. I am a citizen solider and they are career professionals. Make your own decisions but take advantage of their knowledge when doing so. 

Well run cities focus on customer service, just like well run companies. Since cities are monopolies, it's surprising when they don't act like one. 

Measuring Outcomes is more enlightened than measuring Outputs. 

A Councilmember should treat everyone with respect because everyone deserves it, even lawbreakers, cranky citizens and other elected officials. 

Don't build walls when you need to build bridges. However, some people don't want bridges, they want walls. Don't try to impose your values on other people and don't try connecting to people who don't want to connect. 

Return calls and reply to emails and letters, especially from people who think you're an idiot. 

Listen more and talk less.

Some statements or allegations do not need to be challenged or debated. Sometimes people just need to be heard and understood.  

Ask more questions and make fewer statements.

Be clear and concise when talking.

Don’t interrupt when someone else has the floor. Let them speak their mind.  

Be consistent.

Be prepared by reading the packet of material before the Council meeting.

Use good judgment when making decisions and do what you think is right, not what is politically easy. Don't let a crowd with pitch forks sway good judgment. 

Take a long-term view of things and ask yourself if people will approve of a decision many years after you're dead. What is the impact of a decision made today, in the year 2060? 

Transparency and openness of government is good. Oppose any attempt otherwise.  

Remember that the collective wisdom of the Council is far better than any one Councilmember. This is especially important to remember when you're on the short end of a 7-1 Council vote. 

Elected officials should eat humble pie every now and then. 

I am serving to benefit others and no one is serving to benefit me.