Resolutions: Local leaders have chance to turn over a new 'openness' leaf

There is some confusion among many local officials about what "open government" really means.

During their campaigns, they all promised to speak frankly and honestly with the people and to open up their processes and their discussions.

And you see how that turned out.

So, in the spirit of good will and hopefulness that the dawn of a new year brings, we have decided to go over the basics -- once again -- for a truly open government.

The first, and most important, of the requirements is that you stop sending all questions about everything to your public relations gurus. Have the guts to speak directly to the media, the people, other administrative bodies or to your staffs -- and to answer the resulting questions.

Prepackaged Internet messages tell us that you are not interested in discussions -- only pronouncements -- and that you are not interested in the value of other viewpoints and cannot defend your own.

That's not what any of us hired you for. And by the way, none of us elected or approved your public relations specialists as the sole commentators on events that occur in the county or city. Otherwise, they would be sitting behind the desks, not you.

Next on the list is this odd predilection of some to hide details on the issues that are on the agenda for their meetings.

Agendas are public information. The purpose is to let the community know what is being discussed -- and some details about the discussion -- so that they might speak out if they feel the need or demand a change BEFORE something is discussed in a format that results in a vote.

Agendas that are cryptic, short and that mask the importance of a discussion make it impossible for busy residents to know that there is a pending issue to which they need to pay attention.

You don't have to declare a position, but give the community the facts in advance. That way they have a chance to have their say.

Refusing to discuss agenda items is nonsense -- and suggests that there is something you don't want the people to know.

The third, and most surprising, admonition is that as a representative of the people, your first challenge is to set aside your ego, your personal objectives and your attention-seeking gene to put the needs of your constituents first.

It also means you are not guided by party loyalty and you are not a sheep -- voting blindly or withholding disagreement to be part of a "bloc."

And, by the way, we are all not fooled when you sit in a room with a fellow board member, say nothing when he leads a discussion and calls for a vote, and then, later, when that person loses favor or his decisions are questioned, you jump all over him and proclaim your own support of the opposite view.

The time to speak up is when it isn't easy, before the political tide has shifted. We can recognize political maneuverings when we see them.

And finally, a suggestion.

There is always lots of talk about conflict of interest and politicians who use their positions to further their own personal interests.

It is funny how often a candidate will throw that zinger out in a campaign against an incumbent.

But in the new year, it is time for a new promise, a renewal of that ethics vow and a careful examination of decisions and influences that have guided priorities and changes in the way local government conducts its business. If there has been funny business, intended or unintended, it is time for it to be outed and for the direction to become what is best for the county or city.

No more power struggles. No more hidden agendas. No more secret discussions or "managed" responses. Straightforward discussions, honest analysis and the priority -- making Wayne County a better place to live and work.

Period, the end.

And now, an addendum.

Investigate and seek the truth. Beware of those who throw their bosses under the bus who have benefitted in the past from those same administrations. They have an agenda and they have faults you do not know. Good employees with management potential act like professionals, not tattle tale fifth-graders.

If you decide a change needs to be made -- make it -- but be prepared to defend it. That is the fair and responsible way to conduct business and to manage personnel.

If you follow these principles, there is no telling where Goldsboro and Wayne County will be at the end of 2014.

We look forward to a new beginning.

Published in Editorials on December 28, 2013 11:36 PM