What Do You Love About Local Gov?

 — By Jessie O' Brien —

Local government, with all its podiums and paperwork, may not be the most romantic topic. But we know the people working behind the scenes are full of passion for their communities and causes. For Valentine’s Day, we asked councilors, city managers, the Polco team, and other leaders what they love about local government. Here’s what they had to say. 

Nadia Hasan, City Councilor, City of Beaverton, Oregon

“I love local government because when we work together, we are better. We innovate in ways to better listen to our residents. We believe in the passion and humanity of our staff and community to take care of each other.”

Twitter: @councilorNadia

IG:@nadiaforbeaverton

LInkedIn

Shayne Kavanagh, Senior Manager of Research, Government Finance Officers Association

“Local government is the government closest to the people. It is where decisions of real consequence are made by dedicated public servants across the country. Think water quality, transportation, education, public safety and much more. What is not to love about that?”

LinkedIn

Chaquinta Fisher, Desktop Support Manager/Web Accessibility Coordinator, McLennan County, Texas

“I love local government because it represents citizens by way of elected and appointed officials from local communities. Having close representation where you live and work creates an environment of understanding by local representatives. They are the ones that can see and feel issues with streets, crime, local businesses, events, and even entertainment opportunities that benefit the local community. And they see issues from a taxpayer’s standpoint. Local government leaders live and work where their citizens, taxpayers, and voters live and work. Everything goes hand-in-hand having representation at your fingertips to communicate with for your neighborhood, city, or county-related business needs or concerns.”

LinkedIn

John J. Metro, Business Administrator, City of Jersey City, New Jersey

“I love the solution-based approach that local government takes to shape areas and improve the lives of the community members they serve. While state and federal governments are often politically gridlocked, local governments are hard at work resolving neighborhood issues and improving the quality of life for residents.”

Twitter: @jmetrontherise
LinkedIn 

Brianna Sunryd, Communications & Civic Innovation Director, Town of Amherst, Massachusetts 

Twitter: @BriannaSunryd
LinkedIn

Angelica Wedell, Communications and Marketing Director, Polco

“Local government professionals have had to face more than their fair share of challenges over the last couple of years. And yet they dedicate themselves to keeping our communities running. I've seen them give up weekends to help neighborhoods in times of crisis, stay up past midnight to facilitate town hall meetings, and turn their lunch breaks into engagement time with residents at the local coffee shop. And of course, I love that they include residents in decisions with community surveys. They do so much, and I, for one, am grateful.”

Twitter: @Angelica_Online
LinkedIn

Danielle Rogers, Community Marketing Manager, City of Newton, Iowa

“I love working in local government communications and marketing. I get to have my hand in solving real problems that affect my neighbors. I get to see growth and development happen on a variety of projects. I get to hear and engage with all kinds of people. And best of all, I get to tell a story about why my community is a great place to live, play, and work.”

Twitter: @danielleirogers

Linkedin

Dan Bagley, Community Relations Analyst, City of Raleigh, North Carolina

“I love working at the municipal level because I’m closer to the people, programs, and policies that make a difference in citizens’ lives. I get to see the fruits of my team’s labor almost immediately with the people we’re serving. However, the biggest payoff for me is the long-lasting relationships I get to build with co-workers and citizens that I get to call friends.”

LinkedIn

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