I attended a City Club meeting last night, first one in a long time. I was once pretty involved with this lively group of trendsetters, but work commitments have changed. Most my conversations last night centered on Ruston politics.
I spoke to a couple of folks that were part of the murder trial about 20 years ago of Pete Brudevold, our former mayor. They were struck even then with the intensity of Ruston politics. For those who don’t know, a house guest killed Pete (not our politics). The defense claimed that Pete made a homosexual move that caused the attack. It was quite a story at the time.
I responded to the comments that politics are even worse now. To be sure, there is no comparison between physical harm and our current political battle. But the oppressive burden we are struggling against is still very dangerous. The fear and hatred that seems to be the driving force of the council majority has taken its toll on our community. Many of us leave the meetings feeling beat down, heavy and just plain oppressed. Few even speak during our 2-minute opportunity any more – where do you start when the council has already voted on the issues and you know your thoughts will ignored or ridiculed?
One of the primary change management principles in my MBA studies related to open or closed systems. Closed systems always fail. The more closed they are, the faster they fail. Open systems are those that invite input and are structured to respond quickly to new information. No matter how right the Ruston Connection folks may be, the tightly closed system they have set up is destructive.
They have closed off memberships to their web page, they only consider the opinions of those from their inner circle, they think only their friends have contributed anything of value to our community, they appoint only their most trusted people to leadership positions. There is no balance, no consideration of even a neutral position on issues. There is no vision of where we are going, how to build anything positive – it’s all about what/who is wrong and how to make the poor sucker pay for disagreeing with them. Just ask Ruston's mayor.
That’s my philosophical statement for today. What do you think? ~ Karen
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4 comments:
In the corporate world, they promote to the highest level of incompetence.
The same standard holds true for Ruston politics.
We can climb no higher.
Karen,
If Ruston politics are a "closed system" then what do you make of our federal government? Do you, as a taxpayer, get the opportunity to speak out on every resolution? No, you're elected officials do - not the general public. The general public voices their opinion with their vote however there is one other option - higher a lobbyist.
What you are witnessing is American politics at its best or worst depending on which side of the issue you are on. Neither you nor I will ever be happy with all of the council's decisions but in the twenty years I have lived in Ruston this is the most intelligent council & Mayor combinations we have ever experienced.
Please don't claim that they are a closed system without first approaching them with an issue and then report on their responses. They have all claimed that they are open to discuss any issue outside of the council time - if it requires more than a two minute explanation - which I consider to be a very generous offer of their time. Bradley in particular has welcomed any dialogue. I have never heard Sen. Regala, Rep. Flannigan, or Rep. Darneille openly offer such an invitation - have you?
Truly having access to our elected officials is an open system. Now whether you can convince them that your side of the issue is the correct one really depends on your ability to lobby. Then if they don't listen to what the majority of residents are saying - then again - it's an "Open System".
They will be shown the "Open Door" in the next election.
Having truly Elected Officials
would be a great start.40% of our
current Officials have been appointed. Not elected.In the coming months that number could rise to 66%.
Perhaps you could recommend a
good Lobbyist.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments and the chance to clarify. The open and closed system lesson refers to the ability to listen, learn and adapt. It is not specifically that comment has been outlawed before the vote. That’s a symptom of a greater problem. It is the council’s refusal to accept any outside influence that is my concern. There is no evidence of learning or adaptation.
I am thankful that council members are willing to listen to you. I am curious if they changed course on anything because of your input. I have attempted to work with them on projects, only to be yelled at. I have approached each of the current RC council members and am either brushed away by rude reactions or openly insulted. I know of others who have been treated similarly. Of much more importance than any ‘hurt feelings’ is the effect of shutting down the willingness to participate. It is that lack of participation that creates a “closed system”.
You raise a good point that the federal system does not have the same format as our local council. But when enough people say the same thing, it does have an impact. I have seen the opposite here in Ruston. It’s almost always a 4 to 1 vote with the outcome assumed long before the meeting starts. Jane Hunt’s appointment is an example.
At the state level, hearings are held on bills before a vote. Anyone can speak (for longer than 2 minutes). My state representatives have always been willing to listen to me. It’s easy to schedule a meeting with them.
In a small community like Ruston, input from all voices in important if we are to consistently make the best choices. I don’t expect agreement with me all the time. In fact, consistent agreement like we have now is dangerous. Council Member Mary Joyce and I rarely agreed, but we spoke openly and often about the issues.
I’m leery of spending any more individual time with these folks. Unfortunately, my skin isn’t as thick as I’d like it to be. Maybe I can get you to lobby them next time there is new information for them to consider.
Thanks again for the input – you raise some great arguments!
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