So I talked with our current Mayor David Casiano who is coming to the end of his 2nd term as the Mayor of Parker, about what the role of the Mayor is in our Town. This is one of the questions I’ve been most asked in this election year and David was kind enough to put this together for me. I hope you take the time to read it, and then think of it when you are casting your vote this fall. Please don’t hesitate to leave your questions after reading, I will answer them!
What does the Mayor do?
I have been asked that question so many times by so many wonderful students and scouts during my tenure as Parker Mayor. According to the Town Charter, the Mayor is responsible to preside over the Town Council public meetings, the study sessions, breaks a tie vote of Council, and has veto power. That is the Charter definition.
During my first strategic-planning meeting as Mayor in 2005, I asked the Council (at that time) what they thought I should be doing as Mayor. The first thing they answered was, “the Mayor will be the voice for Council.” That meant that regardless of the vote or whether or not I agreed with the vote, I was to be the positive voice for Council policies, to speak as one voice for Council. Second, “the Mayor will be the diplomat for Council and the citizens.” That meant that I would carry myself in a professional manner when representing the Council and the citizens of the Town. That I would speak clearly on issues, listen to the questions and concerns of our citizens (in and outside the Town limits), and act accordingly with Council to help give and get direction. In addition, be the living and breathing representative of the vision statement that “Parker will be a full-service community with a home-town feel.” Third, “the Mayor will be accessible and approachable to the citizens.” I have learned that an enlightened leader does not worry about people not knowing him/her but worries about not knowing people. Fourth, “the Mayor will facilitate disagreements of Council and brings us to a best-possible solution. One that we can agree upon and speak as one voice.” When a Council is divided (as some were), it would be my responsibility to bring everyone to the BATNA (the Best Alternative to the Negotiated Agreement). This approach has served me well.
Why am I discussing this? Because the office of Mayor is a most serious one and should not be taken lightly. As you begin to make your decisions as to who may be the next Mayor, take these into consideration.
- Will that person be the voice of Council or simply apply his/her own voice because he/she disagrees with Council? Divisive behavior does not bring a Council together.
- Will that person represent all citizens (inside and outside of Parker town limits) professionally, living up to the vision statement that “Parker will be a full-service community with a home-town feel?” Can that person represent that “home-town feel?”
- Will that person be accessible and approachable and in being so, will that individual be personable and not take questions as personal attacks. Will that person become arrogant? People may have the finest talents but if they become arrogant their qualities are not worthy of consideration.
- Will that person be able to bring a divided Council together? If Council’s, as well as staff’s grievances are not heard, the bent cannot be made straight. The hardest thing to see into is other people’s nature. Will this person take the time to do that?
You have a decision to make on this next Mayor as the Town is moving into a new phase of growth and economic development. Vince Lombardi stated,
“The individual commitment to a group effort is what makes a team work, a company work, a civilization work.” In addition, “If you alter your personality just to accomplish something, you’re not being true. You’re being dishonest.” So does this candidate say one thing to one group and another thing to another group? Take heed of this kind of personality. In closing, “A leader must remember that simplicity is the sign of true greatness and meekness is the sign of true strength.”
Please either comment on the post, or email Josh @ jgmartin516@gmail.com
