Everyone has a “hot take” these days from the talking heads at ESPN to political pundits filling the air on cable. ELGL cannot (and will not) be left out. We are asking new members to give us their hot takes on an array of issues.
Don Warn
Town of Parker, CO – Finance Director
Connect: LinkedIn
Write the headline for your life story.
Local government leader retires after a long and successful career with no regrets.
What three things would you change about local government?
- I would eliminate the apathy of the citizens and encourage active involvement in local government processes.
- I would create a culture void of departmental silos, where everyone communicates and shares ideas.
- I would create an environment that fosters innovative at all levels within local government organizations.
If ELGL gave you $10 million right now, what would you do?
After donating some of the funds to local organizations and my favorite causes (and taking a really nice, long vacation), I would setup a program to provide small grants to local governments to assists with implementing innovation and change within their organization.
Would you rather have the ability to be invisible or the ability to fly?
I would rather be able to fly, then I could go where I want and never have to deal with the airlines or TSA again.
What’s the meaning of your life?
That’s a tough question to answer when I really think about it. I started to get very philosophical about my purpose, what’s my destiny, why and am I here? But then I looked at the question a little differently – “What gives my life meaning? That’s easier to put into words. I believe it’s the love of my family and friends, feeling like I make a difference in the world (regardless how small), and having a sense of accomplishment in my work. When I get to the end of the road, I really want to look back and know that I lived a good, happy, authentic life with no regrets.
Previously
- The Hottest Takes Ever with Roy Atkinson, City of Altoona, WI
- The Hottest Takes Ever with David Brauhn, City of Walla Walla, WA
- The Hottest Takes Ever with Christine Edwards, Mecklenburg County
- The Hottest Takes Ever with Dr. Lauren Edwards, UMBC Professor
- The Hottest Takes Ever with Lisa Henty, City of Durham, NC
- The Hottest Takes Ever with Stephen Hawryluk, City of Winston-Salem
- The Hottest Takes Ever with Stephanie Scafa, City of Eugene, OR
- The Hottest Takes Ever with Matt Lorenzen
- The Hottest Takes Ever with Ryan Krueger, City of Troutdale, OR
- The Hottest Takes Ever with Justin Amos, City of Charlotte, NC
- The Hottest Takes Ever with Lauren Walcott, Municipal GIS Partners, Inc.