11.02.12 Knope of the Week – Adam Davis, DHM Research

Posted on November 2, 2012

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[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdhLJim5JxI&w=560&h=315]

 

The 46th Knope of the Week has been selected after a week long search for the individual who has done the most to advance the mission of ELGL. In case you haven’t yet memorized the ELGL mission statement, here it is in its entirety,

THE MISSION of the Oregon Emerging Local Government Leaders Network is to enhance communication between emerging and experienced government professionals; provide for professional advancement in the field by identifying employment opportunities and through targeted training and education; and support the advancement of professional local government management.

Before we announce this week’s recipient, we ask you to turn away from your computer screen and repeat the ELGL mission in an opera voice. Now that you’ve proven your allegiance to ELGL, we are happy to share with you this week’s recipient of the Knope of the Week is…..

Adam Davis, DHM Research

What didn’t we learn from Adam Davis? This week’s recipient of the Knope of the Week covered a lot of ground in 45 minutes, and left us with several takeaways for our organizations and for the upcoming election. For Adam, this time of year is clearly his Christmas morning.

Here is the Cliff Notes version:

  • There is a Beavers vs. Duck mentality on every political issue, meaning there will always be two polar opposites regardless of the issue being debated.
  • Charles Hales will be the next Portland mayor.
  • The Portland arts levy and Multnomah County Library District are toss ups.
  • A majority of people cannot name one government service.
  • Government communicators have less resources to compete with negative drumbeat gaining stream.
  • Local, state and the federal government needs to help voters connect the dots on the fiscal crisis.
  • Survey respondents indicate 43 cents out of every dollar that goes to the public sector is wasted.
  • Want to communicate a pressing issue – don’t use the word “government.”
  • Staff and elected officials must understand the middle of the bell shaped curve instead of focusing on who screams the loudest.
  • Future of surveying in local government – focus groups, Opt In type surveys, and online surveys.
  • A clear divide exists between community leaders and citizens.
  • Community leaders are interested in jobs and careers; citizens are focused on the environment, spirituality, and family life.
  • Curry County will be the first Oregon government to go bankrupt. Citizens have rejected initiatives that would stabilize the County.
  • Where are the progressive initiatives? For the last 20 years, initiatives have been about repealing, rejecting, and defeating projects.

 

Previous Knope of the Week Recipients

 

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