Jennifer Mitchell Earley

Each year, leaders (i.e. Chairmen, Chief Executive Officers, Executive Directors, Presidents, etc.) in public and private sector reflect on their past year; evaluate relationships; examine areas where time, money, and energy were invested; evaluate whether or not the goals set were reached; and, if not, revise new ones accordingly. This is referred to as Strategic Planning which is an organization’s process of identifying its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy, including its capital and people (Wikipedia.com).  Simply stated, it is the process of determining your long-term goals and then identifying the best way to achieve those goals. The State of the Union Address is an example of Strategic Planning.  The President outlines where we’ve been as a country (our nation’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats); where we’re going (our goals, key initiatives, reforms, etc.); and how, specifically, their adm...

I’m a big proponent of setting expectations. As a Learning and Development Consultant for over 20 years, I have yet to encounter a leader, supervisor, frontline manager, or individual contributor who has not felt flustered and discouraged when expectations, roles, and responsibilities are not clearly defined. Everyone benefits from clear expectations, relevant work knowledge, and clearly documented processes and procedures - even Elected Officials. # Adopted # Resolution2019 -28

As an Elected Official, I have always believed in the importance of keeping my constituents informed.  So much so that for the last 10 years I have provided my residents with a monthly, quarterly, or semiannual newsletter containing news that they can use on policies, processes, laws, budget, state and federal issues, municipal matters, etc. No tax payer dollars have been used for the production or dissemination.  Rather, the newsletters are paid for and delivered to each resident by me.  This was something instilled in me by my father who did the same throughout his 25-year record of public service. Knowledge is power and I want my electorate (home owners and apartment dwellers) to be actively engaged in order to effectively participate in our local democracy. Keep in mind, your target audience won't always come to meetings, town halls, or events.  Some won't visit your website due to capability, access, or other issues.  Various avenues should be used to prov...