People in general are inept in creative discourse or in arguing.

Not that they fear to lose arguments. All of us have opinions we cherish as being important. PAY ATTENTION TO ME! Sometimes years go by and the same people argue the same points over and over again, wondering why the opposing party is such a jackass for not understanding the important bits you have imparted. I would suggest that it is much more effective to try and zero in on the actual point of disagreement.

That would involve listening and being respectful of your opponent – until that occurs resolutions rarely occur.

Life is NOT just about you. Community involves all sorts of flavors, sorta a stroganoff, needing sometimes the touch of sour cream to make it bind.

I rarely argue over a stove top. When cooking, one can experiment with new ideas and new flavors. It doesn’t always work as some creative dishes were totally trashed by daughters/family of mine.

Returning to planning commissions and City Councils which are mostly corrupt and bought off by landowners, realtors and lawyers we must understand to use different measures than simple arguments before rude and hostile officials.

Sometimes it is best to put grievances in the back boiler or into the crock pot and try out a new design. In planning terms this means designs, project management and budgetary constraints

“Where is that damn Saffron I needed for the mac and cheese!” Reading about the many conflicting business groups in Port Angeles it seems that these problems result from poor planning, poor recipes and a generous oversupply of salty ego.

How many good dinners are “designed by committee?” More salt, less oregano and the lasagna becomes a smashed up pizza. That is because they will argue the process and what to use, what to spend or (misspend) before they even talk about what the end product should look like.

Generally speaking that is where a City Administrator or County Administrator steps in, deciding how to fund all these divergent voices. His or her decisions may not be great either but I would prefer to eat a meal cooked by one cook, well advised of course, who knows the ingredients and budget resources available rather than these various committee’s that simply seem to steal the money and don’t bring home the proper ingredients for the meal.

Please visit my Articles and un-categorized recipes are quite interesting at http://sweetgeodes.com/senft/

In politics or in life it is important to realize that there are things you cannot control. One needs to focus on the things you can control. This would be a ‘Working Out 101’ exercise in politics. Doing a few good stretching outs or Tai Chi might be a good idea before speaking at a public meeting.

On the practical side:

Tomorrow I will attend one of these meetings. Always remember most council or planning meetings do allow public commentary, but it is LIMITED! Neither is it meant to be a back and forth DISCUSSION opportunity. The councilors will NOT respond.

Should you have an issue needing a longer than a 3 minute statement, you should have backup by others who support you. All of you need to sign in to make comments. Each person should have a copy of your statement, and when you exhaust your three minutes your friend or friends can continue. Do remember this is NOT about debating an issue, simply a commentary or your statement to the council.

Non-public elected agencies like the Chamber of Commerce may NOT allow for ‘public’ comment and you may have to be a member to participate. EX. a Green Party or Libertarian will not be invited to speak before the Central Democratic or Republican caucus. You need to be a signed in and registered party member. Try to speak before such groups and you will be shouted down or ignored.

Most importantly, have your facts clear and well organized. You might well despise the agency or person but this is not the time to be or to appear angry. There is much to be said for being cunning and smart.

 

Last notes:

1. Always assume that there might be media in the room, so this is not the time to appear as a hothead.

2. Remember that you may be dealing with well heeled landowners, realtors and lawyers. You do NOT want to get involved in litigation.

(C) Herb Senft 2014