Today’s Morning Buzz is brought to you by Jackie Wehmeyer, Senior Director of Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs for the City of Parkland, FL, and proud new member of ELGL’s Board of Directors. Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn.
- What I’m eating: Whatever my husband is cooking on his new toy — an outdoor griddle.
- What I’m watching: “Born in Synanon” on Paramount+
- What I’m working on: Keeping coworkers’ fingers out of my Jelly Belly dispenser.
Oh, the joys of election season as a local gov leader! Whether it’s the smell of fresh campaign flyers in our mail or the sight of enthusiastic volunteers rallying for their candidates while blocking entry to early voting sites, one can’t help but feel a sense of excitement.
But to be serious, this is a time when civic engagement takes center stage, and as local government employees, our local elections have a much more significant impact on us, our daily work, and sometimes our careers. This period is not just about policy debates and candidate rallies — it’s about the potential changes that could impact day-to-day work and the community as a whole.
So, what really makes this time of year so different and unique?
- We are playing whack-a-mole with campaign signs. It’s the season to stump our code compliance officers. Are those signs on city property? Are they of code-compliant size? Didn’t I clear them from this property yesterday?
- We are trying to keep employee debates to a minimum. Besides our local elections, the national elections can highlight varied perspectives, and tensions can rise. It’s our duty as leaders to maintain a sense of calm in the workplace. We can find ourselves mediating discussions, ensuring that debates stay respectful, and reminding everyone of the importance of democratic processes.
- We are informed and entertained by social media posts. Because of social media and how it’s used today, our residents share an amazing amount of information with each other regarding local candidates. Just yesterday, I saw a video clip of a local government candidate taken by a resident’s Ring camera that could certainly swing a vote.
- We are wondering who our next elected leaders will be. What’s refreshing is that municipal employees firmly commit to the community they serve despite the unknown. Most feel that no matter who wins, their mission remains to provide the best services possible. The impact good elected officials can have on municipal employees is substantive. I feel fortunate to currently work with an outstanding mayor and commissioners who get along and work together well. I’ve seen the alternative and felt the difference in how anxious fellow employees worried about their work, and it’s not pretty.
- We are sitting in front-row seats as residents express their hopes, concerns, and aspirations for our community. Hearing which campaign priorities speak to our residents is a message heard nearly as loud as when we close a local major road for four years. Elections can sometimes give us the opportunity to help residents be educated and understand local issues and see the impactful work of local government. It’s an opportunity for community connection.
- We are watching hopeful leaders compete to serve our city. It’s inspiring to see fellow residents who wish to serve be courageous enough to work through long hours and stressful moments to commit to being a part of something larger than themselves. They serve as a reminder that everyone can play a role in shaping our communities.
As we watch the election roller coaster together, let’s remember to celebrate the spirit of democracy that brings us all here. The excitement, anxiety, and anticipation of this season illuminate the shared understanding that local elections shape not just our work environments but the future of our communities.