Pearl of Wisdom # 25

Some mistakes we make in Local Government are too much fun to only make once.

Pearl of Wisdom # 24

You might not be the only person in the world, however for a handful of people in your community you do represent the world.

Pearl of Wisdom # 23

Try hard not to put both feet in your mouth at the same time when speaking in public, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.

Pearl of Wisdom # 22

You seldom know when it will strike, but there definitely comes a critical moment in all public hearings when you begin to rehash the same point over and over and you begin to realize that nothing productive will occur during the rest of the public hearing

Pearl of Wisdom # 21

Most of the bad decisions you make while in public office will be the great stories you remember and often tell when you are out of local government.

Pearl of Wisdom # 20

Few things will be more frustrating than that moment during a public meeting when you realize the point you have been supporting is wrong

Pearl of Wisdom # 19

It’s a good idea to keep select key local resident's phone numbers in your phone just so you know which calls you do not want to answer when they call.

Pearl of Wisdom # 18

Following established current policies may not always be in the best interest and may not always get the job done

Pearl of Wisdom # 17

If it weren’t for the last minute, most local government budgets wouldn’t get approved.

Pearl of Wisdom # 16

The most successful people you will ever meet in government will be some of the most interesting people you will meet in your entire life.

Pearl of Wisdom # 15

During an election year, there are two basic rules to follow if you want to get elected or re-elected to a public office:

One:  Try to stay in the middle on all controversial issues

Two:  Don't go anywhere near the edges on controversial issues.

Pearl of Wisdom # 14

Silence can often be misunderstood but never, ever can it be misquoted.

Pearl of Wisdom # 13

Remember: You can only explain the issues affecting your community to your constituents ... and the other local residents. You can never understand the issues for them.

Pearl of Wisdom # 12

The consequences are significantly different if a Public Official shows apathy, sympathy or empathy. As a Local Government Official it is imperative you only convey empathy!

{P.S. If you don't know the difference please contact Local Government Resources and let us explain the difference. Email us at localgovt@betterpublicofficials.com}

Pearl of Wisdom # 11

In disagreements with your colleagues always fight fairly. Never resort to name calling.  

Pearl of Wisdom # 10

There is no excuse for ever being marked absent at a public meeting - if you can not make a meeting call ahead and explain to the meeting Chair why you won't be at the meeting and ask to be recognized as excused.

Pearl of Wisdom # 9

When you see an individual in your commumity without a smile - make sure to give them one of yours.

Pearl of Wisdom # 8

Never Trade Luck for Skill.

Pearl of Wisdom # 7

There are three critical steps to remember when you speak in public. 1) Be Brief    2)  Be Brilliant   and  3) Be Done

Pearl of Wisdom # 6

When dining in public remember to bring your food to your face - not your face to the food.

Pearl of Wisdom # 5

If you always do what you've always done - don't be surprised if you always get what you always got.

Pearl of Wisdom # 4

Never forget the 3 G;s:  Look Good, Sound Good and above all Smell Good

Pearl of Wisdom # 3

If good schools, good roads and a good workforce are the only reasons you and your colleagues can come up with as to why new businesses should locate in your commumity ... don't hold your breath waiting for new businesses to come.

Pearl of Wisdom # 2

Talk slowly - Think quickly - Act wisely

Pearl of Wisdom # 1

Two types of local public officials tend to rise to the surface in their communities: Cream and Scum.

Remember communities are always better served when Cream is at the top.