Politics: Top Ten Reasons to Be an Elected Official in 2008

A tongue in cheek look at the rigors of being an elected official. With Iowa just a few days away, we couldn't resist.

As we face the end of the calendar year, the National League of Cities would like to offer a lighthearted look at the serious job facing local elected officials every day.

1) You have to be able to add two and two together (and the answer must always be four).

One of the most important tasks local officials must undertake is to develop and implement a budget that accurately reflects both the needs of their communities and their ability to financially support those needs. Unlike the federal government where there seems to be no worries over deficits, local governments must have a balanced budget -- including a solid rainy day fund to ensure strong bond ratings. Sounds like a lot of Wall Street speak? Yes, but to be an elected official, you have to know all the financial buzz words and, yes, know what they mean, too!

2) You can never have a bad hair day.

Now that most council sessions are televised and the Internet has become the great sounding board for issues, you must be on your toes and ready to roll at a moment's notice. Public hearings, media interviews and community meetings help involve the public in the workings of government. When you go out the door in the morning, the next person you'll see will be a constituent -- including your next-door neighbor!

3) Everyone knows what you buy at the grocery.

Accessibility is critical to good governing. Most of your constituents don't see the difference between cornering you in your office or in the produce aisle. Leadership is not just about giving speeches at the rotary club, it's about listening. So you had better put away the junk food and stick with yogurt and healthy pretzels.

4) Everyone (almost) knows your name.

Many people don't know the name of the vice president of the United States; few can name even one of their state senators, but just about everyone in your city knows who you are. A good bunch of them also think they know what you stand for and how you vote, even if they couldn't pick you out of a crowd! Although it's good to be recognized and have your work acknowledged, sometimes it's nice to be a bit anonymous. Unfortunately, anonymity is not one of the perks to this job!

5) Someone is always awake at midnight.

Those elected officials brave enough to have their home phone listed (and most do), know that someone is always ready to call you to discuss anything -- the land use proposal for that empty field down the street, Johnny's homework, even the noise the neighborhood cat is making in the middle of the night. Local government is a 24 - 7 operation, and being a local official is just about the same thing.

6) You have an intimate knowledge of your sewer systems.

Making sure the sewer pipes run freely, the snow is plowed on time, and the traffic light down at the corner is working are critical responsibilities of local government and as an elected official, you need to know how they work, or better yet, who is in charge of fixing them! Local government is all about service -- trash pickup, libraries that are open and have the latest books and technology, keeping the streets safe -- are all the mainstays of daily life. Knowing the systems to get the power back on during a cold winter's night can make a difference in someone's life -- and it's usually your job to ensure it happens.

7) You get to ride on the back of a fire truck on the 4th of July.

Being the face of your community can be fun. Participating in parades, ceremonies, school events and other community gatherings are every-day occurrences, regardless of whether it's raining cats and dogs or it's a sunny afternoon. As every local elected official knows, the job requirements don't change for bad weather or tough situations. Despite everything else that might be happening in your life, when duty calls, you must answer - rain or shine.

8) School kids want to be you -- but maybe just for a day.

As the recognized leader of your community, it's no secret that kids and adults alike look to you for guidance and support. But with great respect comes great responsibility. Your words and actions not only reflect your beliefs and values, they reflect the perceived point of view for an entire community. Let's face it...it's not easy having the expectations of your neighbors and friends, not to mention the citizens you may not even know, on your shoulders.

9) Someone will always disagree with you about something.

That's the great thing about America and our form of government -- everyone gets a chance to speak their mind, even if they are wrong! Since it's closest to the people, local government is the most open form of government -- where everyone can have their say. It's also the best place to forge consensus over tough issues and to work toward building strong communities.

10) You are able to create small miracles.

Local officials can truly make a difference in people's lives. They can bring communities together around a shared vision; bring a program that helps needy people back to life; marshal resources to support their local school or boys and girls clubs. True leaders know when to use their influence to benefit the entire community -- not for their own satisfaction, but for the people they represent.

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