I'm in Winston-Salem for the NC League of Municipalities annual conference. I LOVE this conference. It is one of the few real learning opportunities available to elected officials. Yesterday, after serving on a panel of education professionals during Homecoming festivities at Elon, I came to Winston (I used to live here, so I get to call it that) to participate in a workshop called Balancing Your Budget During Tight Times. It was AWESOME. There was a game with real scenarios, and a visioning exercise. It was hands on, and the presenters didn't talk at us. I came away wanting to have this in Franklin County with my colleagues from other municipalities. I think they'd like it too!
This morning, I attended a workshop called Involving the Public in the Budgeting Process. As most of you know, this is a sore spot for me. But - the difference between me and some bitter old man is that I want to learn. I want new tips! I want to find a better way to do things! And after today's session, and some brainstorming at Barnes and Noble, I think we may have a few! Hearing some of today's suggestions was rather validating, because some of the tips they gave were things I was already planning, like having community meetings, doing educational outreach, and doing short YouTube videos. I also liked the idea of a Citizens Budget Advisory Committee. Spread the love! (Or, depending on who's talking...the hate.)
I'm energized. I'm so energized, I updated my website!
Oh...and you can catch a bit of what we're doing here.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
You asked for it...so here it is...
I've been told I need to post something. This will certainly be something.
I am ANGRY. You might wonder, why are you angry? You're usually so positive with your attitude and outlook! Normally, I am. What I'm angry about is the way people seem to feel the need to treat me of late, just because I hold elected office. (It's not you, Annie...) Allow me to explain.
I intentionally ran for this office. I had some idea of what I was getting into. I knew it was going to be a thankless job, and I never got into this by thinking that people would be falling at my feet. I also have no intention of sitting around, bemoaning the work or the job itself, because I asked for it. But right now? I'm about ready to give it back.
I realize that times are tough. I realize that budgets are tight. And I know that the choices that the Board made this year weren't easy or popular. But where was everybody when we were working through the budget? How much more can we do, send a personal letter every time we meet? I can't get five people to show up to a regular meeting where things are being discussed, but give someone an opportunity to complain, and man, they run with it.
For the past three years, I have willingly given my time, my energy, and what little talent I have into this work. Until tonight it was a joy. Until tonight, it was worth it. Time away from my family, time away from my home and my job, having to take vacation time to be at Town Hall. It simply doesn't seem to be worth it right now. I just can't take the sheer volume of hatred, of hatefulness, and of backstabbing from supposed friends and neighbors. I'm tired. I'm sick, and I'm tired. I'm over it.
I know, I know...I just need to step back. I know that it's the 80/20 rule...20% of the people do 80% of the complaining. But would it kill anybody to say, "Hey...it's a thankless job and I see your car at Town Hall at all hours of the night...thank you for spending your free time, your family time, your time away from your dying mother...thank you for spending that time working for this community. It doesn't go unnoticed." I'm not asking for the world...and now, after having said this, such comments would ring rather hollow. I'm venting, and I know it. That'll happen after four straight months of verbal abuse.
I wish for you, those of you reading this, a better night than I've had. I wish for you appreciation for your work, your time, and your life. I wish for you a fantastic day every day. And I hope like hell I wake up and see that bright outlook for my tomorrow. My best to all of you.
I am ANGRY. You might wonder, why are you angry? You're usually so positive with your attitude and outlook! Normally, I am. What I'm angry about is the way people seem to feel the need to treat me of late, just because I hold elected office. (It's not you, Annie...) Allow me to explain.
I intentionally ran for this office. I had some idea of what I was getting into. I knew it was going to be a thankless job, and I never got into this by thinking that people would be falling at my feet. I also have no intention of sitting around, bemoaning the work or the job itself, because I asked for it. But right now? I'm about ready to give it back.
I realize that times are tough. I realize that budgets are tight. And I know that the choices that the Board made this year weren't easy or popular. But where was everybody when we were working through the budget? How much more can we do, send a personal letter every time we meet? I can't get five people to show up to a regular meeting where things are being discussed, but give someone an opportunity to complain, and man, they run with it.
For the past three years, I have willingly given my time, my energy, and what little talent I have into this work. Until tonight it was a joy. Until tonight, it was worth it. Time away from my family, time away from my home and my job, having to take vacation time to be at Town Hall. It simply doesn't seem to be worth it right now. I just can't take the sheer volume of hatred, of hatefulness, and of backstabbing from supposed friends and neighbors. I'm tired. I'm sick, and I'm tired. I'm over it.
I know, I know...I just need to step back. I know that it's the 80/20 rule...20% of the people do 80% of the complaining. But would it kill anybody to say, "Hey...it's a thankless job and I see your car at Town Hall at all hours of the night...thank you for spending your free time, your family time, your time away from your dying mother...thank you for spending that time working for this community. It doesn't go unnoticed." I'm not asking for the world...and now, after having said this, such comments would ring rather hollow. I'm venting, and I know it. That'll happen after four straight months of verbal abuse.
I wish for you, those of you reading this, a better night than I've had. I wish for you appreciation for your work, your time, and your life. I wish for you a fantastic day every day. And I hope like hell I wake up and see that bright outlook for my tomorrow. My best to all of you.
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