I am up already this morning and feeling mighty thankful for my life, but very twisted about what is on my plate over the next few weeks and Sundays. Just too much to get done (workwise) and not enough time. Life continues to get in the way.
One of my daughters told me a few months back that I jut have too many little puppies, and they all want, demand or need some of my time in addition to me being nosey and getting involved in things that are really not my concern. Then there is this whole being the mayor business that is a full-time job (but called a part-time volunteer position with a once a month meeting criteria).
Well, let's talk about being the mayor and one meeting a month. For public television consumption, there is one public meeting and one work session almost every month. Then there are special meetings and ad hoc meetings (lately nearly every week). Of course, there are meetings with other mayors, county council representative, vendors, businesses, residents, and the list goes on. In addition, there are 100s of emails that require a response; proclamations to be written; grants to be chased; complaints to be addressed; projects to monitor and follow up on; reports to be written, and you must ride and walk the community to see first-hand what is going on.
If I only attend the meetings, I would never have any time to be home. If I visited every pot hole in the streets, I would be out most of each day. There is just no end to what must happen to run a small city or town, and most people do not care. Residents want everything that you find in a larger city but do not wish to pay for any of it. Taxes are not bad. when used to pay for needed services.
For the record, small-city and small town mayors and councils are not PAID. They are given a minuscule stipend, and if they are lucky a little expense amount to cover some of their expenditures. In my City that amount to less than $6,900 a year. No, that is not a typo, and that is before TAXES!
To serve in the capacity of mayor or council, you must be willing to put your entire life out there in front of the public. You must be prepared to endure criticisms while working diligently to make your community better. You must be able to listen to your critics, who by the way has never done one thing outside of moan and grown about ow bad things are in the City, and try to call you out on Facebook any other media that will draw attention to any crack in the City's armour.
Then there is the need to work with people of different cultures, religious backgrounds, beliefs, etc. while trying to find common grounds to move the City forward. PWorking with people is probably the hardest part of the job. It is even more difficult when there is an unwillingness on anyone's part to compromise to reach an amicable, yet workable solution or one or two people feel that they have all of the answers. LIFE can be hard, and then feelings get hurt. No, we are not always in adult mode but are always expected to be in the adult mode.
Sometimes, I clearly understand why politicians go to sleep on the job. I have always seen myself as an advocate for the people, and for my City. It is not about the politics, but about the quality of life I want, and what most people want in their communities -- freedom to be a part of the community, responsive government, prudent and efficient use of those hard earned tax dollars, competent and timely services, accountability, and, of course someone that actually represents the City to other entities that impact the quality of life within our City borders.
Not too much to ask, but a lot to place upon a volunteer or volunteers. I know one mayor that opens and closes her office and does everything in between because of lack of funding and the need to keep the town's doors open. She is paid $100 a month and about $300 for her expenses.
Small city and small town mayors and councils are your peers stepping up to the plate to head the largest committee ever with an unwieldy membership, and expected to fix every single problem that exist now and in the future -- with peanuts I might add. Not possible!
I am not complaining. I know what to do when I have had enough. Got that. However, I wanted to put it out there for some of those who honestly believe that your elected officials are NOT doing their jobs. Before making that accusation, READ your city or town charter. I am sure that you will that most of your municipal officials are giving MUCH MORE THAN is required, and what you would give under the exact circumstances.
I have worked with some mayors and councilmembers who have stated on the record that they are NOT PAID enough to do the job of their elected position. They are not county councilpersons being paid $100,000 plus. They are not state delegates being paid over $50,000 to sit and deliberate for three months out of the year and then spend the rest of the year campaigning so that they can run again next time. They are not big city mayors or councilmembers with six figured salaries. Being the mayor or councilperson is not their full-time job. MOST small city and small town mayors and councils work full-time jobs to support their families.
Many of these courageous folks are taking time away from their loved ones and families to make their communities better places to live, and I applaud them.. I thank them for the work that they do every day for the community, and even when there is disagreement about how something should get done for the city or town, it is not personal (or should not be personal), but the reason YOU elected them -- they will do their homework, get the facts, and speak out for the benefit of everyone.
Thanks for reading this outpouring. I just felt the need to speak up for municipal elected official this morning in hopes that a lot more empathy is shown regarding the work they do each day. YEP, that includes me. The job is a thankless one, but every municipal official took an oath to do it and to uphold the laws of the nation, the state, the county, and the municipality, and that is not always easy.
Peace and blessings always.
