On public service

I have served on Carefree Town Council since 2005. It is a rewarding and enriching experience. 

In a few weeks there will be elections for town council in many communities. I’d like to share some things I’ve learned while serving on town council.

· A council member bears much responsibility Elected officials control the public purse strings, set public policy, and represent all the citizens in town.

In a broad sense council members set the tone and overall feel of a town. Respect for everyone and respect for their opinions sets a standard for the public.

Minor and innocent comments can be misrepresented or misinterpreted. Words and actions of council members reflect on the town.

· A council member has limited authorityArizona law creates municipalities and grants them their power. A council member can do only what the law allows and must follow the law in all actions.

The oath of office mandates that a council member vote as the law directs. Council members can have honest differences on an issue, but those differences must be cast within what the law allows.

· A council member’s right to speak freely is limited I’ve heard a member of a town council say, “I’m an elected official; I can do and say what I want.” That is arrogant and potentially illegal.

There are many occasions where items on council agendas will be discussed widely in the community. Council members can listen, learn and absorb what is said by others. On many issues, a council member can participate in the discussion and is free to take a position.

· A council member loses privacy Council members are open to scrutiny all the time, not just during public meetings. Minor private difficulties that usually escape public notice are elevated to review by the public and the press.

· A council member loses the right to associate freely Arizona has an “Open Public Meetings Act.” The intent of that act is, “The public’s business will be done in public.”

A consequence of that act is that council members must actively restrict their contact with other council members outside of public meetings. Four council members at a dinner party can be construed as a council meeting that violates Arizona law and possibly invokes fines or loss of office.

· Town professional staff and employees are crucial A town lives or dies by the quality of its professional staff and employees. 

A member of a town council relies on the professional and legal opinions of town staff to interpret laws, ordinances, and administrative criteria.

· Newspapers report the news The vast majority of a council’s business is routine. The vast majority of what a council and town do will not be covered in the press. Only exceptional events, extra large expenditures or disputes are “news.”

· On public service

Public service has great rewards. I know of no greater satisfaction than being able to say, “I’ve served my community and together we solved the problems.”

David Schwan

Carefree