Elected Officials by Ted Kyle Getting Support

“Support” – you have it when… It’s their idea, not yours You are not important, they are They want it as badly as you It’s support –They talk about it –They become activists –They will argue and even fight for it It’s THEIRS

This Presentation People The situation Communication tips Closing thoughts

WIFM - radio What’s in it for ME!

Kinds of People

Who are “Elected Officials” Citizens who are crazy enough to want to run government. Why do people run for office? –They want “Power” –They got burned and want to “Fix City Hall” –Single-issue people –They just care about good government –They were asked to serve

A Look Inside Deeply held beliefs/biases –Planning or property rights –City hall needs to be cleaned out –Contractors gouge the government Susceptible to hype Perception means more than reality

The Board/Council Scene Someone is always unhappy after every meeting Local government has less power than people think It takes a majority to act Re-election is a real concern Open Meetings Law

What’s easy What’s hard Like to give money away Tell the staff NO Ask for more information Building facilities people use Spending money for tangible service Responding to citizen requests Raising fees or taxes Saying NO to citizens Adopt new regulation Decisions that have no obvious choice Decisions in the face of controversy Spending money for studies

What Do Citizens Want Most citizens “voters” want –Government to regulate the other guy –Government to protect them –Don’t want their privileges cut –Want the other guy to pay Want a pristine environment to live in Less change

Staffs’ Role Keep it simple (no tech terms) –Pictures, tables, charts, maps, stories Don’t advocate – just the facts –Let citizens advocate, push, fight –Let the community choose Remember –People love the fish –Clean is good and healthy –Dirty is not acceptable

Presentations Why are you here (wasting time)? One sentence topic What’s the main point? Opening, body, conclusion Involve your audience –Public meeting – everyone –Council meeting – just the council

Technology Nothing worse than a breakdown Know the room and audience Know the equipment Practice Get training on color, size, layout

Visuals Visuals must connect with audience Pictures are good Lettering size important Watch for too many words Don’t use visuals unless necessary Spelling and grammar count

Council Memos Simple -- one page Have someone read them Avoid tech terms, jargon, acronyms (TLA) Avoid emotional words Avoid interpreting the public interest Anticipate readers’ questions Make the recommendation

Keys to Success No Preconceptions Participation Patience Persistence Purpose

A wise person says: People would rather be asked than told. You have two ears and one mouth, and they should be used in that proportion.