Russ Steele
Over the years I have been a major critic of the Board of Supervisor and the need for better leadership. After sitting in on the BOS Retreat on the 23rd and part of the 24th, I was impressed with the leadership the new BOS demonstrated in two days of team building with the department heads. Without sounding too much like a PR hack, this the best Board we have had, as far back as I can remember. Well, really about 1985 when I started to pay attention.
I was the only citizen observer on both days. In the past there were folks from the NCCA, NCBA, and CABPRO who were interested in the future BOS goals and priorities. The business community must be comfortable with this new board. Since the environmental and green community were not there either, they must comfortable with this board’s goals and priorities also. All segments of the community will have a final say when the new goals and priorities are formalized by board action. But, sitting in on the retreat could have given everyone insight into what will be on future agendas.
On the first day the executive office gave a presentation on the County’s accomplishments over the past year. It was very interesting and informative. Too bad more citizens could not see the briefing. Impressive, as the county won many first and second place awards, and were recognized as leaders in multiple areas of government. OK, it was a bit of chest thumping. But, there were some gems the public might appreciate. I asked Rick Haffey to post the presentation on the County web site. I will post a link when that happens.
I also found the budget briefing interesting, it gave me more comfort that our tax dollars are being spent with some planning and forethought. The staff is thinking about and planning for future contingencies. However, budget briefings after lunch can be challenge. While they are important, they are not that exciting. More color and bigger text would have helped.
There was a strong focus on team building, on how to improve Customer Service, especially at the counter level. Emphasis was also given to staff empowerment. Empowerment to help customers solve problems and mot use the regulations to hide behind. Keep moving forward was the tone. This is a real challenge, as the State and Federal Government are constantly adding to the regulatory clutter for both the staff and their citizen clients to wade through.
Overall, I came away with a better understanding to the challenges and rewards of good government. I hope more citizens, and the press, find the time to attend next year. The insight gained is well worth the time. One final thought, if you come next year, eat a light lunch on budget day.
