As part of the grueling ELGL initiation process, new members are asked to complete our version of the Wonderlic test. It’s an open book test and participants do not have to use a dull number 2 pencil to fill in tiny circles.
Lawrence DiRe (LinkedIn) is the Town Planner for Cape Charles, VA. He also serves as the Director of Civic Engagement and Research for Open Local Illinois. Lawrence received graduate degrees from Loyola University Chicago – MA/ABD and UNC-Chapel Hill – MPA.
I feel….like I’ve seen almost everything.
I joined ELGL because…..this organization most closely aligns with my understanding of the local government service profession.
If I was in a talent show I would perform….
a dramatic reading (likely passages from the sign ordinance).
My life will be complete if….I visited Jerusalem and Istanbul.
The last book that I read was…”Never Call Them Jerks” by Arthur P. Boers
My memorable experience in government is…being part of both the best of government and the worst of government.
You should probably know that I…. am a dual US-Australian citizen.
Do you agree/disagree with the following statement(s)……Explain….
My peer group views local government as a desirable profession.
Yes, more people respect what local government does than not.
I plan on spending the rest of my career in local government.
Yes. That’s the plan anyway.
City staff should be required to live in the city in which they work.
Some staff, yes. For most staffers residency should not be required, but it does have its practical benefits.
Local governments should have an employee dress code.
Yes. Having appearance and demeanor standards for any public organization is important.
Local government is effective at communicating with the public.
Yes. Considering the extent of local government services and record I think we do a remarkably good job of it. Overall.
Generational stereotypes are helpful.
Not really, I would rather rely on demographic trend data and my own lived experiences.