1. When do you usually take a position on an issue?

It all depends on the issue. You are forced to take a position as an elected official when the governing body calls for a vote. I take a position on major issues when I have been totally informed or researched the issue. When certain issues arise you may already have established a position in your mind because it is common sense. You also have a body of knowledge and experience over the years to draw upon in reaching a position. However, this is not to say that you shouldn't be open to further information for consideration. At times it is appropriate to even ask if there is an opposing or contrary position and what the rationale is for that position. Every issue or action does not need extensive research. Some issues, or decisions, are made simply by making good rational judgements.

2. How would you follow through on a position you have taken?

I have to assume that you are asking how I would follow through on a position as an elected official, and a position that the governing body has not yet taken action on or brought to the table. If the position is one that is appropriate for the governing body to address, I would look for the support of fellow elected officials to get it on the agenda and provide the documentation to support my position and the passing of an appropriate motion. I would submit a proposed motion for the agenda. I will, at times, lay out the drawbacks to my position but explain why I believe the motion should still carry. If it is a position the body has already addressed I would ensure that there are deadlines and timely reports on the progress, with clear written expectations covering the result the body is looking for.

3. What would make you change your position?

Significant additional information that is logical and clear that I have not already considered, or a perspective that I have not yet considered.

4. If a dozen people speak at a regular meeting on a controversial agenda item, ten opposed and two for, what would you do?

First of all, the podium is not an election booth or a polling vehicle. The podium is the place for communicating to the elected body. The number of people for or against an issue is immaterial. The substance of the argument is what is important and the right to get up and speak their mind. If the positions voiced at the podium have already been taken into consideration as I formulated my position, I would state (at the appropriate time on the agenda) my position and why I am taking that position. If the information or perspectives voiced at the podium were new, I would consider that information in my decision. If the information is substantial, in such a way that further research is necessary, I would table, postpone, or vote in favor so I could reconsider it at the next meeting. The sense of the majority of the governing body would determine which action would be necessary. I would expect the administration to lay out the pros and cons of issues scheduled for the agenda with justification for any administrative recommendation well in advance of the body's action.

5. Administrators and staff work 40 hours a week on the agenda, make recommendations, and even write the motions for elected persons to read. How can you keep the staff from telling the elected body what to do, instead of the other way around?

As stated in question 4, I would submit a recommended motion that I would expect at the table. The administration can have recommended substitutes. The elected body has to be very clear in their direction and direction should be in writing and voted upon by the body. If the meaning or intent of the motions have been changed in the administration's recommendations you can amend the motion or send it back to the drawing board to be brought up at the next meeting. You have to be specific as to what is and is not acceptable and hold the administration accountable. The administration has to be going in the direction of the elected body and any attempt to subvert the elected officials' intent, cannot be tolerated.

6. What do you think a person who wishes to appeal a decision of the Chief Administrator should do?

I will for the moment assume you are speaking of a member of the public and not an elected official when you use the term "person". There should be a policy for appeals that address this and it should be clear, complete and followed. If there is no policy, a policy should be drafted. Some things could be appealed all the way to the elected body, unless the elected body has already made itself clear on the issue or through the development of the policy has given final say on some issues to the administration. The public is always free to come to the body and voice their complaint and appeal to the elected officials to change their policy or create a new policy.

7. Rank where you would get written information on agenda items? ___Staff recommendations ___Newspaper articles ___Letters to the editor ___ The Internet

First, I believe it is totally inappropriate to rank where you would get information. Especially, with such a vague and totally inadequate list of sources. Depending on the agenda item, any of a number of sources may be of value, and the value of a given source would depend on the agenda item in question. For example, a source of information and perspectives on reading in the school district could be: the parents, the teachers, the administration, the business community, the Alaska Department of Education, the US Department of Education, the Alaska State Reading Specialist, specific reading researchers, the National Institute of Health, one of the regional educational labs funded by the federal government, or others. Each has value and importance with varying weight depending on the agenda item.

8. Rank who you would talk to most about agenda items?
___Family ___People at your work ___Civic Organization ___Private friends ___Government Staff Other: _________

As in question 7, I believe it is totally inappropriate to rank whom you would talk to most about agenda items. The reason is basically the same. The appropriate question I believe you may be wanting to ask is; whether you would be thorough in your investigating agenda items, and would you be open to considering all perspectives and information and explaining your position. To this question the answer is, yes.

9. How would you deal with people who want to talk to you about an agenda item?

I would welcome people to submit their questions or positions in writing and send them via the USPS or email. They can call me at the office and leave a message or call me at home. If there is a broad concern, I could arrange lunch meetings. I have also set up a web site with a "frequently asked questions" section for those who may have the same question but are feeling uncomfortable in contacting me directly. It will also serve as a timesaver for me to have people reference the site. I will be encouraging the School District to create an information center on the Internet. This will help address concerns and correct misinformation and alleviate the corresponding anxiety that occurs with the lack of communication.

10. Rank what you do most in a debate?
___tell others your position ___listen to others positions ___try to reach a compromise Other:_____________

The intent of this question is not clear. Obviously, if you are a participant in a debate, you are presenting your position. If you are observing a debate, you are listening to all the positions. As a decision-maker, you may serve in all roles and you will take some issues, or parts of an issue, and decide with one side of the debate or the other. But on other issues, or parts of an issue, you may develop a compromising position. On the school board, I will make my decision depending on what is best for the children.

11. Rank how you are seen by others?
___Outspoken ___Unbiased ___Reasonable ___Diplomatic Other:______________

I believe I would be viewed as possessing all of the qualities listed above. Given the scenario and the issue, a person may rank one of those qualities higher than the other. In addition, on any given topic, there may be people who will see me differently depending on their perspective. Finally, everyone has biases whether they want to admit it or not. The question is whether you can take in all information and set your biases aside to listen to other perspectives.

Note: Number 1), 2), 3), and 5) had an asterisk and it was noted in pen at the bottom of the page as optional.

Posted 09/28/99                ©99

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