What Makes a Good Council Person?

I noticed that the and already , two incumbents and one new person, although he is well known to many in the community. (I think they are all —small joke for those who have been reading my posts.)

I've always wondered what it would be like to serve on a City Council, but more importantly, in a town like Havre de Grace, what are the real requirements? What are people looking for in a council member? Or, are they looking for anything at all? Is it just a popularity contest like Homecoming King and Queen or does a person's character and demeanor count? I'm just asking.

I went out on the web and did a few searches on the qualities of a small town council member and there are opinions out there. I've combined those with a few of my own. Here are a few suggested attributes that I think are important:

• Listen to the your constituents ... all of them, whether you agree with them or not.
• Display empathy for the people in your community.
• Show them you are "hearing" them by responding to their concerns, both in person and in writing.
• Stay current with local issues as well as regional issues that might affect the city. Do your homework.
• Be willing to change your mind based on your ongoing "listening and learning" practices.
• Earn trust by being authentic.
• Speak calmly and courteously at council meetings to one another and to the public. Everyone deserves respect.
• As the voice of the people, be well informed. Do not use hearsay as testimony. Be a fact checker.
• Give room to one another to disagree, knowing that all council members intend the best for the greater good.
• Ask for help.
• Be a team player. 
• Be willing to admit a mistake.
• Accept your public services as a privilege. 

I appreciate the men (and surely more women are interested as well) who are committed to the success and growth and stability of our city and therefore, willing to give their most precious commodity (time!) to its governance.

What do you think is the most important attribute of a leader in our city (not by naming anyone, but by description)?

Irmgarde Brown
Blogger, Writer, Librarian,
Follower of Christ
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