Quick Take: Ann Janda, Town of Milton, VT

We prepare for the ELGL & ICMA joint event at the ICMA Conference by getting to know attendees through their responses to four simple questions. Respondents will describe the current state of local government, their mentors, ways to strengthen local government, and of course, their dream six-pack. Link: Raise Your Hand If You’re Going “Back to the Future” with ELGL and ICMA.

Previous Profiles: Tamara Lynn Schaps, Evans School of Public Affairs, Director of Career Services, Eric Norenberg, Oberlin (OH) City Manager, Joe Casey, Henrico County, VA, Deputy County Manager, and Jason Escareno, San Mateo County, CA

Ann Janda

Management Fellow at Town of Milton, Vermont

Name your career mentors.

Katy Lesser, owner of Healthy Living Natural Foods Market in South Burlington, Vermont. She taught me about superior customer service, empowering others and not trying to do everything yourself.

The Management Consulting Team at Capstone, KKR. They pointed out my strengths and encouraged me to attend graduate school.

Chris Koliba, Professor in Community Development and Applied Economics (CDAE) and MPA Director at the University of Vermont. He took the time to find out who I am and encouraged me to consider local government management.

Describe the current state of local government.

It is my belief that local government attracts highly dedicated professionals and is the area of government where the most innovation can occur in the U.S. because cities and towns aren’t as constrained by political affiliations and processes as the state and federal governments appear to be.

During her presidency, Bonnie Svrcek encouraged ICMA members to do “Just One Thing” for the organization. What’s “one thing” we can do to strengthen local government?

Transparency: Transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens about what their Government is doing. Together, local government professionals can encourage the public trust through transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Public engagement enhances local government effectiveness and improves the quality of its decisions.

In keeping with the beer tasting theme, tell us what we’d find in your ideal six pack.

Victory Golden Monkey – but only one is needed…