TOWN OF CLARENCE
SUPERVISOR'S COLUMN FOR NOVEMBER 2009
Hearing, Learning, Teaching, and Changing

Now that election season is over, whether local, state, or national; red or blue state; no matter the party, we almost all wish for more civility in government. According to the Institute for Civility in Government, civility is more than being polite. It fosters a deep self-awareness. It requires staying present even with those we have fierce disagreements. We have to be open to hearing, learning, teaching, and changing. Civility is seeking common ground as the starting point for dialogue.

To help achieve greater civility in government, Guy and Heidi Burgess, Co-Directors of the Conflict Research Consortium at the University of Colorado wrote an essay entitled, "The Meaning of Civility." In the essay, they set forth some suggestions. First, we need to separate the people from the problem. Failure to do so leads to an "us versus them" type of mentality. We must focus on solutions and not personal attacks.

Next, we should obtain technical facts. However, there will be occasions when factual issues cannot be resolved because of certain limitations. When this happens, we must be able to explain our reasoning.

We need to reduce or limit interpersonal misunderstandings. We need to continue our efforts to understand the views and reasoning of others.

We have to avoid escalating matters so we can stay focused on problem solving.

We also have to keep trying to persuade and allow ourselves to be persuaded. We must seriously consider opposing arguments and be able to explain our own position.

Being able to value dissension is important to democracy, according to the Institute for Local Government's two-part series entitled "Promoting Civility at Public Meetings: Concept and Practice." Locally, at Town meetings, we allow for comment periods of one-minute, three-minute, or unlimited depending on the agenda item. Such rules are clearly set forth in advance, whether listed on the agenda or stated during the meeting, to allow for the public and officials to hear and learn from each other. Speakers are encouraged to respectfully keep to the subject at hand and those listening are likewise respectfully encouraged to listen without being rude during the speaker's presentations. Sometimes we all need to be reminded of this.

In keeping with being open to hearing, learning, teaching, and changing, I wanted to also mention that the Townwide Satisfaction Survey has been mailed out to random Clarence residents to obtain a true scientific sample. I am very pleased with the amount of responses received so far. I strongly encourage those who have received the survey to send them back as quickly as possible. Remember, we take your responses very seriously and will:

1. Conduct a comprehensive review of the results.
2. Fully communicate the results to let the Town residents know what we find.
3. Develop and communicate actions plans to Town residents.

As always, if you have any questions about the Town, please do not hesitate to contact me at (716) 741-8930 or sbylewski@clarence.ny.us.