Politicians are People, Too

   When it comes to politicians, let's be honest. We all have our cynical moments. Well, all but Donna Adams Morgan. Having served as an appointed official in state and local government for nearly 30 years, Lilburn resident Adams Morgan finds most politicians to be good people sincerely wanting to help their community. Recently retired, Adams Morgan now consults with businesses, individuals, and non-profit organizations about communications and strategic solutions. And she's agreed to give you, my readers, a free sample of her services.

   "All businesses have a unique 'language' and terms that are best known by those who work inside that industry. Government is no different. The absolute best part of my career as a public servant was the opportunity to make government accessible to citizens by translating 'government speak' into clear, understandable processes that helped facilitate successful community outcomes," said Adams Morgan. 

   "Public service provides a mechanism to bring about needed change. The best and most effective change comes about when citizens and government form partnerships to achieve goals. The high points in my career always involved a citizen, a barrier and a solution. The issues were real; the barriers were processes, procedures, regulations and ordinances and the solution was a partnership to find the answer."

   When dealing with politicians, Adams Morgan stresses the importance of being positive. 

   "To form successful partnerships, all parties must enter the relationship with good will, an open agenda and a willingness to listen. The government official needs to recognize the citizens as resources who understand their communities' issues and the citizens need to remember that public service is usually entered into by people who want to impact their communities in a positive way."

   She notes that politicians are human beings who have limited time and energy just like the rest of us. There's no way any one person can be fully versed on every single issue in the community. Individuals need to make politicians aware of their wishes, but diatribes are not the way to go. 

   "Preparing to work with government officials requires citizens to "do their homework" and present a united voice of reason about an issue. Consensus, factual information and clearly stated desired outcomes assist the elected officials who have a multitude of issues facing them each day. Both partners must actively listen in order to understanding the issue, the government's role if any and the desired outcomes."

   That "if any" stipulation can sometimes be the cause of misunderstanding.

   "Clearly all issues cannot be resolved by the government," Adams Morgan emphasizes. "If that is true, a public servant can explain that and in some cases offer information and referral to the organization that can assist them."

   "You make it sound so easy," I said. 

   "It's worked for me," she said.

   A week from today, we'll have a new County Chairman, maybe a new President, and professional advice on dealing with them. Shall we give it a try?

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