Every media outlet got the same press release. You could have read it in one of a number of places. Saline Mayor Brian Marl announced a weekly schedule of times when any city stakeholder can meet with him to discuss pretty much anything — no appointment or prior disclosure of agenda required.
But you’re not likely reading this article to find out why that’s good for your local government or how it promises to make time management more efficient at City Hall. As a resident, someone with a business interest, or any other sort of stakeholder, you probably most want to know how this new offering benefits you.
So, Saline Journal walked into the mayor’s office at 11:10am yesterday and asked him.
Saline Journal: “While ‘office hours’ are new, you’ve been holding regular open forums at various locations around the city for quite some time. How is this different and why is it important?”
Mayor Marl: “Coffee hours are great to disseminate information and talk about current issues. Some people are very comfortable and vocal there, while others are more reticent. This is an opportunity for people who are not comforable in a group setting. This can also be a confidential setting for those who need that kind of arrangement.”
Saline Journal: “Regardless of the format, this sort of access seems almost the polar opposite of the pre-set agenda and Robert’s Rules of Order structure of City Council meetings. How are things working here in practice?”
Mayor Marl: “It keeps you on your toes. I’ve emphasized that there is no appointment necessary and I’ve instructed the front desk not to ask why anyone is here to see me. So I don’t know who I’ll see or what’s going to be discussed beforehand.
“Certainly there are people who stop by with a lot of specifics, and I need them to acknowledge that I don’t know everything off the top of my head. But I’m here because I want to look into their concerns and get back to them. That may mean that I eMail appropriate staff within 24 hours to follow-up; I’d like to provide that answer back within a week.
Saline Journal: “And they can obviously hold you to that, walking in here again to follow up if they’re so inclined.
Mayor Marl: “That’s true.
“The point I’d like to emphasize is this: I want to be expedicious. There is only one thing more important than that, and that’s to be accountable and truthful.”
Saline Journal: “How do you make people feel at ease here, open to talking? This is, after all, ‘City Hall’ and ‘The Mayor’s Office.’ That can be a big deal, depending on how old someone is and their past experiences with government.”
Mayor Marl: “I’m very cognizant of that. I try to remind people that while I am the current occupant, this belongs to the nearly nine thousand people of Saline. This is your office. I do a better job when I understand that. It’s important that I understand [stakeholder] concerns, priorities.”
Saline Journal: “Every so often you’ll hear or read on social media a criticism of City Council meetings, that, while they allow for citizen comments, there isn’t any real-time response from the dais. How would you answer that?”
Mayor Marl: “Every board chair, every mayor handles it differently. At a minimum, I think it’s important to thank anyone who’s taken the time to speak, to acknowledge their contribution. Sometimes they need follow-up from a person from a particular specialty and if that person is present, the follow-up can be immediate; it’s just after the meeting has adjourned and others don’t always see that closure.
“Sometimes those dialogues have taken place through strong turnouts at coffee hours that did not require such time restrictions. We had seventy-five people show up and have a robust discussion of the Non-Discrimination Ordinance before it was passed. Many points of view were represented. Strong public participation is important.” [1]
Saline Journal: “At the same time, you clearly have your own compass. You may have been as much as a year ahead of some others with your support of the new Best Western Premier hotel construction, for example.” [2]
Mayor Marl: “I have a very clear vision of where I want to help lead this community. There are some areas where my opinion is firmly fixed, motivated by fixed principles.
“One of those areas is with regard to business development. I understand that there are those who disagree. My position is that Saline needs to grow, it needs to diversify its tax base. Attractions are important amenities to a community; they are of paramount importance here and directly connected to our community’s quality of life.”
Saline Journal: “How do you handle the inevitable criticism that comes from following your fixed principles in the face of disagreement?”
Mayor Marl: “If you can’t handle criticism, this line of work is not and should not be for you. I will never make all people happy.
“At the same time, I think it’s incumbent on leaders to persuade others to join their causes based on merit. I have a duty to influence, to advocate my position and explain why it is best for this city.”
The questions and answers above represent only what Saline Journal did in its open office hours access time with Mayor Brian Marl on April 23. Beginning in May, his schedule will be on Fridays from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.
What would you like to hear from the Saline Mayor? What would you like him to hear from you? Drop in on any Friday next month and make your own connection.
References
- “New Non-Discrimination Ordinance Can Further Enhance the Value of Saline” Dell Deaton (April 3, 2018) Saline Journal.
- “Saline Community Earns ‘Premier’ Status for Its Proposed Hotel” Janet Deaton (December 18, 2017) Saline Journal.
