Public Works/Public Safety IML Newly Elected Officials Conference Moraine Valley Community College May 15, 2009 Public Works/Public Safety Presented by Larry Lux Lux Advisors, Ltd.

Holy Crap………… I won…. Now What? The real challenge is from here on

Public Works/Public Safety in Government Where the rubber meets the road ( your public image team) Public Works Law Enforcement Fire Engineering & Planning Code Enforcement

Good elected officials………. The Good & The Bad, Part 1 Good elected officials………. Follow the chain of command Ask questions and understand issues Support staff whenever possible Don’t grandstand Have the ability and courage to say NO Don’t get personal Criticize in private

Bad Elected Officials……… The Good & The Bad, Part 2 Bad Elected Officials……… Have hidden agendas Say what they think you want to hear Ask staff to ignore law/ordinances Evade responsibility Are oblivious to reality Rarely interact with staff

My Experience shows…. Most employees are hard working, dedicated professionals committed to your town Government is run like a business…… a public service business You know your business….I know mine We understand that sometimes we have to be the Javelin Catcher (whipping boy)

Suggestions….for what they’re worth Under commit ---- over deliver Never say “I’ll take care of it” Come to meetings prepared Service departments are your friends Ask questions…… Understand both sides of issues Keep to policy issues Keep a sense of humor

3 Things to focus on…. Your public image is established by the folks on the street every day Keep political squabbling at the board level Don’t assume anything is true at face value

luxadvisors@ comcast.net THANK YOU Questions? luxadvisors@ comcast.net