1. 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.

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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

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