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Monday, January 28, 2013

MPA Expectations – 25 Deadly Sins of Elected and Appointed Representatives

(Milwaukee Delegation – city/county/public schools/state/federal)

The last four (4) years, especially the recent election process, have presented front-and-center behavior that will haunt the American People for many decades to come, perhaps centuries.  We can choose to continue to be “divisive” or WE can begin to really heal.  We can begin to establish TRUST.  We can begin to erect credibility in the “global” marketplace – where the beat is.  We are so far behind in competitiveness.  While we focus on buffoonery and efforts of destruction, others are moving farther along in advancing their country with organic, innovative and environmental friendly creations that includes their Generation X, Y and Z populations.  Below are 25 expectations or deadly sins we offer at this time to our elected/appointed representatives.
1. Being ARROGANT, and feeling you “own” the position you are privileged to hold.

2. Failure to “Honor” the Oath of office and the U. S. Constitution.

3. Not knowledgeable and up-to-date in area of representation.

4. Failure to return calls – Failure to return calls timely.

5. Office staff not trained in “phone courtesy” and professional representation of your office.

6. Only seen at “fundraisers”, “pomp and ceremony” and “campaigns for election”.

7. Little to NO efforts shown to learn about those you serve – ages, races, cultures, income, census track poverty, employment-education-technology needs, affordable homes, safety intervention, preparedness in the marketplace, health care needs, high incarceration, laws that do not have merit, laws that make-no sense, homicides, correctional institution in the neighborhoods, volunteerism, neighborhood BIDs (business improvement districts), neighborhood block clubs, People of Color chamber of commerce, homeless shelters, community development financial institutions, banks and Community Reinvestment Act, accountability of those receiving federal and other government funds, re-visit “Certification” as a plus not a barrier, to name a few.

8. Regularly providing updates in the marketplace of government that allows quality of life and economic development for constituents at the neighborhood level.

9. Failure to promote better access and leverage for small neighborhood for-profit businesses (1-20 employees).

10. Remembering those who “hired” you and “those you represent” but recognizing the thousands (even tens of thousands) that did not vote for you and calling them to the table - team engagement (district-to-district).

11. Failure to spur engagement and citizenship obligations in/of constituents.

12. Failure to be a principled-centered “leader” by marketing the benefits of your political “party” regularly in “fairness” of laws created, initiatives that build at the neighborhood level, promote constituents being “informed” and America’s promise of pursuit of happiness for all.

13. Failure to create a website that is easily navigated, updated daily and information driven.

14. Non-engagement in ongoing information sharing and support of colleagues of your district, delegation of city/area and neighboring districts for “team success” – irrespective of political affiliation.

15. NEVER disrespect the voter.

16. NEVER promote “vote suppression”

17. Steer clear of “racial and gender” discrimination - Co-host district meetings for constituents to address racial and gender divide – ask questions – ask for solutions – ask for buy-in.

18. Help build your base with regular surveys, town hall meetings, collaborated with neighborhood legislative/public policy seminars and district syntopicans (fun and information sharing).

19. Take seminars, get degrees, get certificates, visit quality of life and economic development conferences and neighborhood level People of Color chamber meetings.

20. Call for transparency, enforcement of laws and accountability of All – start with self.

21. Take the “Cultural Humility” test – explore your biases (racial, gender, class, stereotypes, economics, area of residence, affiliation groups, employment styles, etc.) and be aware of them so they do not hinder your effectiveness as a legislator. This means step outside of “comfort zone”.

22. Be prompt to meetings – dress professionally at all times – speak clearly and professionally for your brand.

23. When serving in an appointed position, attend meetings and contribute for sustainability of those you serve – provide updates of the committee on your website for the People.

24. Start the healing process with an honest apology – where needed – it can buy unearned benefits instantly.

25. Call upon and provide incentives for the “hidden talent” and “vetted neighborhood businesses” of your district to be competitive in education attainment, technology attainment and health care.

Milwaukee Professionals Association LLC
January 28, 2013

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