The Heart, the Mind, and the Ears

In my blogs and speeches so far as candidate for alderman, I have emphasized my knowledge and experience, listing intellectual credentials and professional accomplishments. But I realize that a successful alderman must have a heart as well as mind (and both need to be connected to ears.) As I prepare myself to become a successful alderman, I realize I need people skills- navigating a spreadsheet is not enough.

Patience is perhaps one of the most important characteristics any public figure must have. Everyone's opinion has a right to be heard, even if the person making it is angry, mean, or just way off base. With patience, the kernel of a good idea can be separated from the chaff of emotion. Actually, patience is required to get through boring meetings and ill-prepared presentations. Patience is a quality that, for me, has taken years to develop. It comes through disappointments with past national, state, and local election outcomes. It comes with working with local boards and organizations, or as a coach. Most of all, it came with raising a family and a marriage of over 20 years.

Understanding is a skill critical to political success. I recognize that being a scientist by temperment, I have a methodical way in which I collect information, think, and make a decision. Not everyone follows the same process. The context around which an argument takes place must be recognized and accounted for. Evanston's citizens are a diverse lot- my middle class upbringing is not shared by everyone. Political power comes from being able to convince, not coerce, and consensus is reached only when both parties understand each other.

Humility is another necessary characteristic. A good representative must bend to the will of his constituents. There will be times when I have a personal opinion in conflict with the majority of residents. I hate speed bumps, but some neighborhoods demand them and I will heed their call. The term of alderman lasts four years. All candidates express sincere desires to work with others as team players. But once in office for a length of time, personalities change. I hope and pray that, if elected, I always remember that I, too, was once only a concerned citizen, expecting to be taken seriously by elected officials.

Empathy is a word for having a heart. Tough budget choices will have to be made in the months and years ahead. Taxpayers are stretched. The amount of funding for police and firefighters pensions affects their future livelihoods. Cuts in social services will impact people. Reducing staff means someone is getting a pink slip. Weighing a hard nosed attitude versus a bleeding heart will be one of my biggest challenges.

Finally, an alderman must have ears. The people of Evanston express a wide range of conflicting opinions- individuals express conflicting attitudes. Leadership springs from the ability to hear all these thoughts and synthesize a solution that pleases the most people the greatest amount. In a larger picture, it is good to have an alternative to cable service, or to install emergency “blue light” phones, or build a new storm sewer system. But, the concerns and complaints of those whose streets are dug up, or who must look at an AT&T box or blue phone on their front parkway must be taken into consideration.

My decision to run for alderman was not taken lightly. I've prepared myself by being involved with many groups, listening as a participant. I've accepted positions as board member or trustee, not only to contribute, but to learn how to work as part of an organization. I've attended workshops and taken courses to strengthen my leadership skills. I hope to earn your trust, confidence and vote on April 7.