What makes a good mayor?

As a current city councilman, it is my opinion that the most important leadership trait for a mayor is teamwork. Passing and revising ordinances, and generally doing the peoples business requires a uniting force that should not polarize council. Napoleon said “A leader is a dealer in hope.” My time in the Marine Corps proved to me that people prefer to be inspired, not herded.

Communication is also a key element in this process. I believe a mayor must communicate frequently with council members, to know their positions on issues and what their specific needs are for their constituents. A mayor must know how to deal with a wide variety of personalities and recognize (and avoid) polarizing the council and community.

Citizens and council should, without exception, be given respect and tolerance for their positions and views. No one should ever feel they are not welcomed in the peoples house, or cut short when they present themselves.

A mayor should be a consensus builder, not a pile driver. If a consensus cannot be built on a specific agenda item, that issue must not be continually thrust upon the council or the people. The council is the direct representation of the community and whether or not a mayor agrees, their discussions must be respected and accepted.

A well versed and studied mayor should be able to draw on his or her life skills to bring fresh perspective to an issue. And as the last to speak, should be able to concisely summarize various positions and suggest direction and action on key points being argued. A mayor should have an open mind and be an excellent listener, not to mention  calm under fire. She or he must respect staff and not attack it and coordinate well with all the various volunteer committees.

I see it as a vital necessity that a mayor have some experience in city government. I don’t believe the mayor's office should be the first stop in ones political career. A mayor should feel comfortable sitting in the office from day one and have minimum “training wheels” time. I don’t believe it is a position for on the job training.

The mayor is a salesman for the city. He or should must have a professional image supported by strong communicative and written skills. A mayor should always lead by example and be seen as a bedrock for honesty, integrity, and inspiration.

Guy Midkiff