Why?Maplewood!

Welcome to my new blog, "Why? Maplewood!".  The purpose of this is to increase the sense of community in Maplewood, NJ.  I plan to achieve this by informing and influencing the use of the question, "why" in dialogue and decisions that impact life in Maplewood, and the future of the town I have called home for over 29 years.

Several years ago I came across a concept that has been life-changing for me, personally and professionally.  The concept is called the "Golden Circle". This concept has taught me the importance of understanding the "why" behind my decisions, and in how I view and can influence the world.  I have experienced how the use of the Golden Circle results in more meaningful, more relevant, and more effective decisions in business, in community, as a parent, and in life.

If you are interested in learning more about the concept of the "Golden Circle", please review the attached video clip which is 18 minutes in length; it could be life changing.  If you have questions about the content or how to apply the concept please leave a comment.    

http://youtu.be/qp0HIF3SfI4

Using the question, "why" in making and evaluating decisions, and then determining "how" to go about finalizing and implementing the decision, will always result in a better "what" - a decision, a desired outcome, or a solution.  
Over the last year, I have learned that in order to have any chance of influencing local decision-making of politicians and community advocates (e.g. the Maplewood Village Alliance), you first need to determine how to be in the know, at the right time.  

As it is not the current practice of the TC (or the VA) to proactively distribute meeting agendas, meeting minutes, or even decisions that have been made, it can be a challenge to be in the know.  There is a belief within each of these groups, and others, that in order to have the privilege of influencing local decisions expected to join the group, run for office, and/or regularly attend their meetings. 

I disagree. Strongly!  

Any effective community advocate or politician needs to, and should want to, proactively engage their community and stakeholders in soliciting a broader, more representative point of view when considering and making decisions that impact all of us.

A terrific example of a local decision that would benefit immensely from the use of the question, "why", and transparency is the "out-of-the-blue decision" by Vic and the TC to purchase the Woman's Club property, which is detailed in a Patch article today.  

I actually believe the Town's purchase of the WC property might be good solution.

However, as I have a low level of trust in how and why decisions are made in town it is impossible for me to support the decision without additional details and transparency.  

The considerations that would have helped me (and others) support this decision;

Why - what is the compelling purpose driving the decision to purchase the WC property?

How - where was public insight, opinion, and/or transparency in the decision-making process?

What - what is the end point - a community center, a leased venue?  What is the Vision?  Also, what is the estimated cost beyond the $1M purchase price?  What is the cost to resolve the existing legal challenge by neighbors?  What is the estimated cost of properly restoring a historic building in disrepair?  And, ultimately what will be the estimated impact on local taxes?  

Through Why?Maplewood! I will share information that might be meaningful to you, but not easily accessible.  Today, unless you attend community group or TC meetings there is a good chance you will not know what changes are in discussion or pending, or even what decisions have been made.  

I believe transparency in local politics and in community organizations is important, and should be expected.  

In addition to providing meeting agendas, meeting minutes, and other pertinent information, I will always ask questions and share my point of view.  I invite you to also share your opinions and questions.  Challenge the thinking of local politicians and community advocates.  Challenge my thinking.  

Healthy conflict always results in better decisions.  A great boss once told our team, if we all agree on the issues then at least one of us is dispensable, maybe more.  If all of the TC members think alike, isn't at least one of them dispensable? Maybe more? 

A guiding principle for Why?Maplewood! is that healthy conflict does not need to be personal.  Nice does matter.  

In such a diverse community as Maplewood / South Orange different points-of-view on an issue should be expected and appreciated.  Each of us has our own "truths" based on our unique experiences, social identity, and beliefs.

I know many of the people in the TC, VA, and within Town personally and I have found they are generally good people, with good intentions.  However, I often disagree with their focus, decisions, and/or their methods of decision-making, especially when the compelling answer to the question, "why" is absent. 

Share your thoughts on this blog, over time.  More importantly, let community advocates and our local politicians know where you stand.  You can influence. 

"Insight without action breeds skepticism", and even cynicism.  I do not believe any politician or community advocate would agree that ignoring the opinions of their constituency is a good practice.  
-- 
John Harvey
862-216-2425