I Have to Ask You...

I Have to Ask: Storytelling as a Buzzword

Posted on December 16, 2019

In this series, guest columnists respond to one of three topics selected by ELGL Co-Founder Kent Wyatt. This week, Glissette Santana, Content Strategist for the City of Sugar Land, Texas, writes about her definition of storytelling. When I landed in my role as the content strategist for the City of Sugar Land, I hadn’t realized...

I Have to Ask: Show AND Tell

Posted on December 13, 2019

ELGL Co-founder Kent Wyatt poses a question and a guest columnist answers it. This week, Emma Klues, Great Rivers Greenway Vice-President of Communications & Outreach, gets you prepared for your next interview. I love the process of hiring. From a communications professional who hires communication professionals and who nerds out about helping people with their...

I Have to Ask: Misconceptions About Libraries

Posted on December 9, 2019

In this series, guest columnists respond to one of three topics selected by ELGL Co-Founder Kent Wyatt. This week, Hillary Ostlund, Library Services Manager Hillsboro Public Library in Hillsboro, Oregon, takes on common misconceptions about libraries. Libraries have been my jam for nearly two decades, and I frequently hear that I’m not what many think...

I Have to Ask: Public Works Director

Posted on December 4, 2019

In this series, guest columnists respond to one of three topics selected by ELGL co-founder Kent Wyatt. This week, Melissa Weiss, Director of Administrative Services, City of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, reflects on key career experiences. Picture this – the Director of Public Works/Engineer submits their two-week notice and there is no management bench to oversee the...

I Have to Ask: Assistant to the City Manager

Posted on November 17, 2019

In this series, ELGL co-founder Kent Wyatt poses the question and a guest columnist answers it. This week, Erin White Winn, Budget Manager, City of Denton, Texas, explains the assistant to the city manager position. I recently entered local government management after spending five years working in urban education reform. Teaching- particularly in the most...

I Have to Ask: Assistant City Manager to City Manager

Posted on November 11, 2019

ELGL co-founder Kent Wyatt poses a question and a guest columnist answers it. This week, Ann Marie Townshend, City Manager, Lewes, DE, makes the case for becoming city manager. Often we think that local government professionals strive for the ultimate position of city manager. Throughout the nation, however, many professionals would rather be assistant city...

I Have to Ask: Employee Turnover

Posted on November 4, 2019

In this series, guest columnists respond to one of three questions from ELGL co-founder Kent Wyatt. This week, Noor Shaikh, City of Dallas, Texas, Manager III - Capital, Office of Budget, writes how local government can do a better job of retaining employees. If you have been paying attention over the past few years you...

I Have to Ask: Three Book Recommendations

Posted on October 28, 2019

In this series, guest columnists respond to one of three questions from ELGL co-founder Kent Wyatt. This week, Jamie Eustace, Baytown, Texas, Librarian, provides three must-reads for this year. I read in fits and starts. Since my job, and more importantly, my professional reputation depend upon me being well read, my habit of inconsistency can...

I Have to Ask: Talking with the Community

Posted on October 21, 2019

In this series, guest columnists respond to one of three topics selected by ELGL co-founder Kent Wyatt. This week, Stephanie Taylor, Public Information Coordinator, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, writes about transparent communications. Read more from Stephanie: Channeling My Inner Leslie Knope. Being the first person to ever step into my role was probably one of the most...