Members of the Clearlake City Council recently attended a leadership conference in Sacramento. The event, presented by California League of Cities, welcomed approximately 500 council members and mayors representing cities throughout the state.
The 2007 Mayors and Council Members Academy Leadership Institute conference provided attendees with valuable tools for effective leadership of California”s 478 incorporated cities.
The City of Clearlake was represented by Mayor Judy Thein and Councilmember Chuck Leonard. Councilmember Roy Simons also attended a portion of the conference, which was held Jan. 10 through Jan. 12.
The three day conference covered a multitude of areas related to city government and public representation. “Our purpose as a city council member and mayor is to protect and preserve public health, safety and welfare. This conference strengthens our roles so that we can afford our community more effective leadership,” Mayor Thein reported to the Clear Lake ObserverHAmerican newsroom following the event.
“The Value of Basics Boot Camp” kicked-off the seminar and introduced attendees to 10 basic rules for new council members. City officials were also introduced to services of the California League of Cities and learned how to access those services.
City officials gained education on their legal powers and obligations as representatives of the public as well as restrictions under which cities and city officials operate including the Brown Act. A portion of the program was dedicated to effective advocacy and provided practical skills to develop persuasive arguments and testimony that serve cities” interests.
The second day of the conference provided the opportunity for city officials to meet with other representatives from within their regions. Mayor Thein reported that Lakeport City Councilmember Ron Bertsch was also in attendance, which provided the opportunity for discussion of issues faced by each of the incorporated Lake County jurisdictions.
Other portions of the conference covered land use planning and how to work effectively with planning commissions and planning staff; building a relationship between the city council and city manager and staff; how to build and maintain the public”s trust including practical ethics and the law; and how to conduct an effective and respectful council meeting.
City officials also gained insight into adjusting to their roles as public representatives and how to balance personal and professional demands of their office.
The final day of the seminar dealt with financial responsibilities and success with the media.
“There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going. This workshop has given us the tools and educational information to effectively do our job,” reported Mayor Thein. “We must remain educated throughout the tenure of our public life, as it is vital that we keep up with the advances in our field.
“We are stewards of the public, whether it is in land use, public safety, finance or any other area. We set the tone for our community. We impact lives.” Thein continued, “As a conscientious, responsible council member and leader, we should not settle for what we know now, but rather we should always be striving for something else.”
Thein concluded, “It is important that we learn something everyday if we are to be effective.”
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
