Liberty is most certainly a good, but when it is universalized it destroys itself. Liberty is only a virtue when held in tandem with the common good. Societies do not achieve liberty by pursuing liberty alone. Liberty is the byproduct of a just society. It is the pursuit of justice which ensures personal liberty, not the other way around. The pursuit of liberty without an equal commitment to the common good has a trajectory and momentum which is not trained toward democracy, but fascism. In a world of laissez-faire capitalism and absolute individual liberty, might is the only right -- that's fascism.
A strong commitment to the common good is the necessary counter-weight to personal liberty. The common good forces personal freedoms to be held in tension with the values of community and justice. No one can enjoy absolute liberty without undermining the fabric of a just society. Liberty is not an absolute. It must always be held in balance with the common good and the pursuit of social justice.
Tim Suttle, Pastor, writer, musician
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Another Stone
The Main Street Program has requested that the City accept a donation of personal property (trash cans) that are to be placed on Main Street. The Main Street Program is requesting the City accept the trash cans (personal property) and continue to maintain and service the trash cans.
The Council has not identified providing this type of service as a core program or a priority service; it must remain focused and help the organization stay the course. Elected officials must have the courage to say “no” when groups make new demands. These kinds of Council reactions to new demands may mollify constituents making the service request, but such referrals of non-priority items to staff simply divert scarce staff resources and undercut the local government’s ability to perform.
To what extent does the service have to be delivered, or simply be made available, or, instead, be capable of self-service? And we need to address these fundamentals with the customers themselves. For if we are to reduce the cost of local government substantially, this will be achievable only if we can get residents to serve themselves.
The Main Street Program would need to provide a bill of sale to complete the transaction.
Approval of this motion allows the City Manager to accept receipt of personal property from the Main Street Program.
The Council has not identified providing this type of service as a core program or a priority service; it must remain focused and help the organization stay the course. Elected officials must have the courage to say “no” when groups make new demands. These kinds of Council reactions to new demands may mollify constituents making the service request, but such referrals of non-priority items to staff simply divert scarce staff resources and undercut the local government’s ability to perform.
To what extent does the service have to be delivered, or simply be made available, or, instead, be capable of self-service? And we need to address these fundamentals with the customers themselves. For if we are to reduce the cost of local government substantially, this will be achievable only if we can get residents to serve themselves.
The Main Street Program would need to provide a bill of sale to complete the transaction.
Approval of this motion allows the City Manager to accept receipt of personal property from the Main Street Program.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Today's Thought
“You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge one for yourself.” James Froude
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Disinterred
I hate it when everybody thinks they are lawyers. Leave the interpretations of the law to lawyers and judges and respond appropriately when a decision is made. Peoples' biases lead them to suggest answers that aren't there and open questions that put the city in weak legal position.
The requirement to get a court order should not be difficult if the position being claimed is accurate. Make yourself duly authorized and move on unless you're worried about being able to secure a court order, than may be this political route is better.
I really want to see how the Corporation Counsel views the coroner's position, may be I'll be enlighten!
The requirement to get a court order should not be difficult if the position being claimed is accurate. Make yourself duly authorized and move on unless you're worried about being able to secure a court order, than may be this political route is better.
I really want to see how the Corporation Counsel views the coroner's position, may be I'll be enlighten!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Selection Time
The City has had an ongoing Agreement with the Strand and Associates to provide engineering services as necessary as requested by the City Manager or authorized staff on a retainer basis. The Agreement had not been updated in the last ten years.
The City Council requested staff take RFQs for engineering services. The City defines professional services as services that require technical expertise or knowledge of a specialized field. This procedure is used for acquiring a variety of services, including: architects, engineers, planning consultants, etc. The selection of the consultant is based upon use and evaluation of a RFP or RFQ process. The City assembles a selection committee that solicits general qualification proposals and letters of interest from the consultants.
The City Manager formed a selection committee to select the best qualified firm and negotiate a contract with the selected firm.
The selection committee for consulting engineer looked at specialized experience and technical competence; capacity and capability of performing the work in question; and past record of performance. The committee reviewed sixteen proposals and selected four firms to interview. The committee evaluated the firms and recommends the Council award the contract to Strand and Associates.
The qualification, capacity and experience of Strand and Associates would be difficult to match or surpass by a new firm. Strand and Associates has provided competent and responsive service to the City and its residents over the last twenty years.
The City Council requested staff take RFQs for engineering services. The City defines professional services as services that require technical expertise or knowledge of a specialized field. This procedure is used for acquiring a variety of services, including: architects, engineers, planning consultants, etc. The selection of the consultant is based upon use and evaluation of a RFP or RFQ process. The City assembles a selection committee that solicits general qualification proposals and letters of interest from the consultants.
The City Manager formed a selection committee to select the best qualified firm and negotiate a contract with the selected firm.
The selection committee for consulting engineer looked at specialized experience and technical competence; capacity and capability of performing the work in question; and past record of performance. The committee reviewed sixteen proposals and selected four firms to interview. The committee evaluated the firms and recommends the Council award the contract to Strand and Associates.
The qualification, capacity and experience of Strand and Associates would be difficult to match or surpass by a new firm. Strand and Associates has provided competent and responsive service to the City and its residents over the last twenty years.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Today's Quote
Conscience is the mirror of our souls, which represents the errors of our lives in their full shape.
George Bancroft
George Bancroft
Friday, September 16, 2011
A Long Walk
I love competition, have a patient determination, and at times am very insecure, and I hate the feeling of failure -- but I know that failure is a necessary part of risk-taking. I always ask myself if the risk is worth my house, family and reputation. Still, I want to live like Teddy Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena.”
The problem I have is that I can’t enjoy the fun of failure in the public sector anymore. The current political environment I find myself in creates organizational problems that suck the fun out of everything.
According to the First Splendid Truth from the book “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin, to be happy, we should think about feeling good, feeling bad, and feeling right, in an atmosphere of growth. Happiness research confirms that people get a big boost from learning new skills and from novel experiences, which provide that atmosphere of growth. However, while novelty and challenge bring happiness, along the way, they also bring frustration, insecurity, anger, fear...happiness doesn't always make you feel happy.
Here are her suggestions to help when feeling self-doubt and self-anxiety:
1. Do a good deed. Be selfless, if only for selfish reason; you’ll benefit as much as the person you’re helping. When I’m feeling low, forcing myself to do something for someone else's benefit seems particularly hard, but then it gives me a big boost. As Montaigne observed, “These testimonies of a good conscience are pleasant; and such a natural pleasure is very beneficial to us; it is the only payment that can never fail.” In the same vein…
2. Make small gestures of good citizenship. Bring your old magazines to the gym so other people can read them. Pick up trash that other people have left on the subway. Sign up to be an organ donor.
3. Keep a resolution. Not only will you benefit from exercising or cleaning out your garage, you’ll also get a boost from the mere fact that you made a commitment and stuck to it. Feeling so overtaxed that you can't face the thought of trying to keep a resolution? Try this one: Make your bed. Just do that one thing. I know it sounds a bit preposterous, but many people have told me what a lift they've received from that small act.
4. Become an expert. There’s great satisfaction in mastery. Pick a subject that interests you, and dig in deep: the American Revolution, the works of Chekhov, wine, etc.
5. Boost your energy. Studies show that when you’re feeling energetic, you’re much more likely to feel good about yourself. For a quick shot of energy, take a brisk ten-minute walk (outside, if possible, where sunlight will also stimulate your brain), listen to some great music, or talk to a friend.
6. Challenge yourself physically. This tip doesn’t work for me, but I know that many people feel great after para-sailing, white-water rafting, surfing, or rollercoaster-riding.
7. Face a fear. Some fears are physical (see #6), but not all fears. You might push yourself to speak in public, ask someone on a date, make a gesture of friendship toward an acquaintance, or begin an intimidating creative project. In these trying situations, I often comfort myself by repeating "Enjoy the fun of failure." And it's true, even when my effort fails, I feel good about the fact that I gave it a shot. As my sister the sage reminded me recently, "You've got to put yourself out there." Which is hard, but gratifying.
8. Make something by hand. There's something particularly satisfying about making something with your own hands, whether it's a loaf of bread, a photo album, a piece of furniture, or a fly-fishing fly. It's tangible, it's creative, it's right in front of you. Similarly, making visible improvements like cleaning out a closet can give a big boost. I get an (inexplicably) large boost just from changing a light bulb.
Now I do most of these things in some form or another on a regular basis. The one thing I don’t do now is challenge myself physically anymore. Maybe that will increase my happiness.
The problem I have is that I can’t enjoy the fun of failure in the public sector anymore. The current political environment I find myself in creates organizational problems that suck the fun out of everything.
According to the First Splendid Truth from the book “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin, to be happy, we should think about feeling good, feeling bad, and feeling right, in an atmosphere of growth. Happiness research confirms that people get a big boost from learning new skills and from novel experiences, which provide that atmosphere of growth. However, while novelty and challenge bring happiness, along the way, they also bring frustration, insecurity, anger, fear...happiness doesn't always make you feel happy.
Here are her suggestions to help when feeling self-doubt and self-anxiety:
1. Do a good deed. Be selfless, if only for selfish reason; you’ll benefit as much as the person you’re helping. When I’m feeling low, forcing myself to do something for someone else's benefit seems particularly hard, but then it gives me a big boost. As Montaigne observed, “These testimonies of a good conscience are pleasant; and such a natural pleasure is very beneficial to us; it is the only payment that can never fail.” In the same vein…
2. Make small gestures of good citizenship. Bring your old magazines to the gym so other people can read them. Pick up trash that other people have left on the subway. Sign up to be an organ donor.
3. Keep a resolution. Not only will you benefit from exercising or cleaning out your garage, you’ll also get a boost from the mere fact that you made a commitment and stuck to it. Feeling so overtaxed that you can't face the thought of trying to keep a resolution? Try this one: Make your bed. Just do that one thing. I know it sounds a bit preposterous, but many people have told me what a lift they've received from that small act.
4. Become an expert. There’s great satisfaction in mastery. Pick a subject that interests you, and dig in deep: the American Revolution, the works of Chekhov, wine, etc.
5. Boost your energy. Studies show that when you’re feeling energetic, you’re much more likely to feel good about yourself. For a quick shot of energy, take a brisk ten-minute walk (outside, if possible, where sunlight will also stimulate your brain), listen to some great music, or talk to a friend.
6. Challenge yourself physically. This tip doesn’t work for me, but I know that many people feel great after para-sailing, white-water rafting, surfing, or rollercoaster-riding.
7. Face a fear. Some fears are physical (see #6), but not all fears. You might push yourself to speak in public, ask someone on a date, make a gesture of friendship toward an acquaintance, or begin an intimidating creative project. In these trying situations, I often comfort myself by repeating "Enjoy the fun of failure." And it's true, even when my effort fails, I feel good about the fact that I gave it a shot. As my sister the sage reminded me recently, "You've got to put yourself out there." Which is hard, but gratifying.
8. Make something by hand. There's something particularly satisfying about making something with your own hands, whether it's a loaf of bread, a photo album, a piece of furniture, or a fly-fishing fly. It's tangible, it's creative, it's right in front of you. Similarly, making visible improvements like cleaning out a closet can give a big boost. I get an (inexplicably) large boost just from changing a light bulb.
Now I do most of these things in some form or another on a regular basis. The one thing I don’t do now is challenge myself physically anymore. Maybe that will increase my happiness.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Today's Quote
Men stumble over the truth from time to time, but most pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened.-- Winston Churchill
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Still Productive?
Are we just an organization that has no natural threats to our existence and have evolved into a culture of complacency? Or is this happening because we have a weak, divided, and distracted council that fails to provide the clear sense of direction, momentum, and goal focus needed by the executive management team? Or is it a combination of both issues?
It is clear that it's more important not to be wrong than it is to be right. Right now our organization has no power to change, i.e. only the power to veto or passively oppose innovation, but nobody has the power or capacity to originate and champion initiatives. Our culture survives by avoiding blame and accountability which means you can't take risks so that if anything goes wrong you get to blame the system.
It’s also apparent the there is a conflict between the manager and the council that has left the organization without a rudder. Lacking a clear focus and a set of meaningful priorities, people within the organization are beginning to focus their efforts into activities of their own choosing. Without a sense of higher purpose, department heads put their own priorities and political agendas above the success of the organization. Ultimately, the result will be that no area within our organization will have the resources to be minimally effective at achieving any results. This is potential the desired result of factions within the council.
How will we adjust?
It is clear that it's more important not to be wrong than it is to be right. Right now our organization has no power to change, i.e. only the power to veto or passively oppose innovation, but nobody has the power or capacity to originate and champion initiatives. Our culture survives by avoiding blame and accountability which means you can't take risks so that if anything goes wrong you get to blame the system.
It’s also apparent the there is a conflict between the manager and the council that has left the organization without a rudder. Lacking a clear focus and a set of meaningful priorities, people within the organization are beginning to focus their efforts into activities of their own choosing. Without a sense of higher purpose, department heads put their own priorities and political agendas above the success of the organization. Ultimately, the result will be that no area within our organization will have the resources to be minimally effective at achieving any results. This is potential the desired result of factions within the council.
How will we adjust?
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Pavers
The City uses a combination of concrete and brick pavers for walkways around the municipal building and the walkway to the commons. Consistently the brick pavers settle, creating a tripping hazard. The pavers life expectancy is also much short than concrete and has higher long term maintenance costs. The pavers allow for water infiltration in areas that are highly paved. The council discussed during a budget session the idea of considering the options for paving these areas.
The circular paver areas are approximately 325 square feet. The area converted in Ford Court this summer cost $18 a square foot for a total of $5850 plus $500 for sample casting.
Administrations’ current policy is to replace the pavers with colored and stamped concrete as needed and use the left over pavers for maintenance of other areas.
Staff has provided a quote for the replacement of one paver patio area for the Council to see the options and possible costs associated with each option.
Option 1: The first option is to replace the red pavers with standard concrete with an estimated cost of $2,953.
Option 2: The second option is to replace the sand base with a concrete base for the pavers to be placed on at an estimated cost of $4,833.
Option 3: The third option is to replace the red pavers with colored and stamped concrete that would provide a similar visual effect of the red pavers at an estimated cost of $6,846.
Option 4: The fourth option is to remove all the red pavers, redo the sand base and replace the pavers at an estimated cost of $3,490.
Option 5: The fifth option is any other option the Council determines.
The Council may determine how it wants to maintain or replace the pavers. The item would need to be placed on an agenda.
The circular paver areas are approximately 325 square feet. The area converted in Ford Court this summer cost $18 a square foot for a total of $5850 plus $500 for sample casting.
Administrations’ current policy is to replace the pavers with colored and stamped concrete as needed and use the left over pavers for maintenance of other areas.
Staff has provided a quote for the replacement of one paver patio area for the Council to see the options and possible costs associated with each option.
Option 1: The first option is to replace the red pavers with standard concrete with an estimated cost of $2,953.
Option 2: The second option is to replace the sand base with a concrete base for the pavers to be placed on at an estimated cost of $4,833.
Option 3: The third option is to replace the red pavers with colored and stamped concrete that would provide a similar visual effect of the red pavers at an estimated cost of $6,846.
Option 4: The fourth option is to remove all the red pavers, redo the sand base and replace the pavers at an estimated cost of $3,490.
Option 5: The fifth option is any other option the Council determines.
The Council may determine how it wants to maintain or replace the pavers. The item would need to be placed on an agenda.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Governed Well?
What happens when a minority asserts the right to withdraw its consent to be governed? Purge
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
What Changed Today
Innovation can be defined generally as changes in behavior. More specific definitions of the term have resulted in many good, but no convincing ultimate definition. An important reason for this is that the meaning of innovation has also been constantly adapting. Early definitions were restricted to original products and processes that could be used in commercial applications in the private sector. Later definitions broadened their scope, to including social innovations (e.g. organizational, institutional and political innovations), innovations in services, and recognizing that the public sector could innovate.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
It's Alway About Information
I would like to develop a Decision Support System. The DSS would provide a set of opportunities directed toward improving the effectiveness and productivity of managers and professionals, boosting the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness, and rationalizing the decision making process within our organization. The system would help us develop accurate, timely and relevant information to help individual managers in the organization deal with an increasingly turbulent economic environment and the growing fiscal pressures. The major problem of having a DSS is having relevant information to feed into the system.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Can I Fix That?
As I look out into the hazy blue outside my window today – I feel unusually torn. There are so many good and bad things happening that it’s hard for me to keep my balance. Am I happy or depressed? Normally I wouldn’t waste time thinking about it, but people seem to want to force me to think about all the happenings.
My attorney called the other day and said I have good news and bad news, but every issue I’ve dealt with this week has gone that way. The soccer coach has good news and bad news, Employee Trust Fund the same and the same for my family. If I were looking into the sky of my mind it would be cloudy and overcast on the left and bright and sunny on the right.
Let’s think about what I can fix and not about what I can’t.
My attorney called the other day and said I have good news and bad news, but every issue I’ve dealt with this week has gone that way. The soccer coach has good news and bad news, Employee Trust Fund the same and the same for my family. If I were looking into the sky of my mind it would be cloudy and overcast on the left and bright and sunny on the right.
Let’s think about what I can fix and not about what I can’t.
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