Thinking of running for election? You should at least consider it. During my 18 years in Harvard, I can’t remember this many opportunities for civic-minded residents to contribute to our town. If I have counted correctly, there are 25 elected positions that are either vacant or have expiring terms.
Faced with a rash of resignations plus the normal cycle of turnovers, we could be headed for a leadership crisis. Without specific explanations for each individual resignation, it is hard to know if this phenomenon is the result of a downward trend in volunteerism, relentless budget shortfalls, deep dissatisfaction with recent strategic decisions, basic burnout, mere coincidence, or some combination of these.
Whatever the reason for the recent resignations, there is no question that what we need is an infusion of new energy and talent to add depth to the bench of a small and thinly-spread team of hardworking officials currently in place. I recently spoke to a person with all kinds of energy and talent and she said that she felt unqualified because she is too new to town and doesn’t have a historic perspective on the issues. That got me to thinking about what kind of person is qualified to serve and what skills they might need.
One friend of mine said what we need is “warm bodies.” I laughed at the time, but later I decided she was right. Warm as in “running warm”—keen, energized and interested; warm as in physically accessible—present, committed, engaged, approachable and collegial; warm as in not too hot and not too cold—respectful, diplomatic, and sensible.
As a veteran volunteer and former two-term School Committee member, I have some ideas (about two cents worth) about skills that are important for a prospective elective official.
You should be able to:
- digest information on a subject requiring a decision;
- participate in a productive discussion about that subject, including listening to fellow board members and other involved or interested parties and seeking additional information as needed; and
- arrive at an informed and timely decision based on the information at hand and the related discussion and debate.
It would help to be able to:
- exercise good judgment,
- remain objective,
- maintain perspective, and
- keep sight of the big picture.
These are all basic qualities and skills. Many of you are qualified and just don’t realize it. And one other thing—there is the race itself. This is where you call in some friends to nominate you at the caucus tomorrow night and then form a campaign committee to share your adventure and support you in every possible way.
One of the most predictable things about small town government is that it is completely unpredictable. The same microcosm of democracy that allows all our opinions to have weight also results in government that is often driven by personalities rather than by institutions. This can lead to frustration. It can also be enormously rewarding. It is always interesting.
Molly Cutler is a former School Committee memer and a former member of the Devens Education Advisory Committee.
