Working toward ‘a more perfect union’

Jan 23, 2018. By TIM CLARK, guest columnist. ” As individuals, we may not have too much direct influence over what happens politically at the national level of government. At the county level, our efforts can certainly be directed to local issues. We can choose to determine the quality of government that we want and need.

‘Coming together is a beginning’

Jan 10, 2017. By TIM CLARK, guest columnist In the first part of my series, “The role of process in county’s future,” I suggested that the process applied to fast-track approval of the $12.5 … To quote Henry Ford, “Coming together is a beginning. … Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” 

The role of process in the future of Brown County

Dec 26, 2017 – By TIM CLARK, guest columnist. The Maple Leaf Performing Arts Center (MLPAC) project and the process used to fast-track approval may represent a turning point for the future of the county. This article is a first in a series that will provide a perspective on our current reality and offer additional options that may contribute to Brown County …

If we want better decisions from our elected leaders, then it may help to identify the process being used and then work together to improve upon it.

•     Example: County Decision Making Process

I adapted the process used by the military and by many U.S. defense agencies.  For instance, the new Septic Ordinance represents a “solution” – how was the problem defined?  What were the other alternatives considered?  What facts and data were used to justify the solution? How will we know if the change will make things better or worse?  What are the risks?

• Approved-Septic-Ordinance-11-21-17
• Application-and-Bedroom-Affidavit
• Septic-Contractor-Information-Sheet-6-23-17
• SepticPermitProcessChecklist

This framework may also be important when the Courthouse options are discussed.  I also provide an example of the process applied to the Maple Leaf project.

Courthouse feasibility study kickoff meeting date set By Suzannah Couch –  Jan. 6 9:41am

An excellent article regarding motivation and methods to include a format for developing strategic plans. The title is somewhat misleading. Excerpts:

Learning to Mend Misbehaving Mindsets by Own Amber, Co-Chair Emeritus at XML Community of Practice (xmlCoP)Nobel prize-winning author Richard H.

Thaler suggests policies can be crafted to minimize the predictable mistakes people make. Toward that end, he has no interest in telling people what to do but seeks to help them achieve their own goals.

Regarding prospects for success, Thaler asserts, “The only protection against overconfidence is to systematically collect data that can prove you wrong.”

Moreover, as he quotes his colleague Linda Ginzel, “If you don’t write it down, it doesn’t exist.”Carol S. Dweck notes that vows to act are often useless. However, probability for success can be increased by making concrete plans that can be visualized in terms of when, where, and how they will be carried out.

Morality experts weigh in on being ‘good’, Alia E. Dastagir, USA TODAY

A Marist Poll out last week found “being a better person” is the most popular New Year’s resolution for 2018. It was also the No. 1 resolution last year, marking a shift from the previous decade in which “losing weight” topped the list 80% of the time (it tied this year).

 

DOB: 12/30/2017