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l 1. Don't be misled by the strong demands of special interest groups why want it <br />done now, their way. 'dour job is to end the longterm public interest of the <br />community as a whole, and you may be hearing form the wrong people. <br />12, Don't rush to judgment. Pew heal actions have to be taken at the first meeting at <br />which they are considered. Avoid "crisis management," <br />13. Don't be afraid of change. Don't be content to just t'ollow the routine of your <br />predecessors. Charge your appointed officers and employees with being <br />responsible for new ideas and better ways. Listen to what they have to say. <br />14. Don's give quick answers when you are not sure of the real answer. ~t may be <br />embarrassing to appear ignorant, but it can be more embarrassing, and damaging, <br />to tell a person something which is wrong. <br />15. As an individual, even if you are the mayor, don't make promises you can't <br />deliver! Nfost decisions and actions require approval of the governing body, and <br />this takes a maj ority vote. <br />1 ~. Remember that you have legal authority as a governing body member only when <br />the governing body is in legal session. <br />17. Don't spring surprises on your fellow governing body members ar your city staff, <br />especially at formal meetings, if a matter is worth bringing up far discussion, it's <br />worth being on the agenda, Surprises may get you some publicity, at the <br />embarrassment of others, but they tend to erode the "team" approach to <br />governance. <br />18. Participate in official meetings with the dignity and decorum fitting Chase who <br />hold a position of public trust. Personal dress and courteous behavior at meetings <br />help create an environment far making sound public decisions. <br />19, Conduct your official public meetings with some formality, anal follow rules of <br />procedure. H~.ve an agenda, and follow it. lViast governing body members agree <br />that formal meetings expedite the process and promote better decision making. <br />24. Don't be afraid to ask questions. It is one of the ways we leaz~n. Taut do your <br />homework by studying agenda material before meetings. <br />Z 1. Vote yes or no on motions. Don't cap out by abstaining except when you have a <br />conflict of interest. A pass does not relieve you of responsibility when some <br />decision must be made. <br />Z2. Dnce a majority decision of the governing bady has been made, respect that <br />afhcial position and defend it if needed, even ifyou personally disagreed. <br />23. Respect the letter ~.nd intent of the open meetings law, but also keep private and <br />confidential matters to yourself, Don't gossip. <br />Z4. Retain competent, key employees, pay there well, trust their professional <br />judgment, and recognize their authority and responsibilities, <br />~5, Dan't bypass the system! ~f you have a manager or other chief adrnin~.strative <br />officer, stick to policy making and avoid personal involvement in the day~to-day <br />operations of the municipality. ~f you da not have an administrative officer, make <br />14 <br />