At last September’s Urban Land Institute presentation, panelist Ellen McLean opened to discuss the panel’s recommended guiding principles for Springfield, just after Maureen McAvey’s introduction to the entire panel and its process.
"Strong leadership is imperative if Springfield is to succeed," McLean began. "These have to be leaders at the highest level, across all sectors, public and private. And these leaders must commit and engage positively, and I underscore positively. It will be these leaders who will carry your plan, and they will be the underpinnings to create jobs, to grow the city, to encourage investment, and to reach the financial help that you’re currently striving to do."
McLean continued, "Tremendous strides have been made under the guidance of the Finance Control Board. You have cash in the bank, you have a balanced 2007 budget, you have labor contracts signed, you have strong, highly-qualified individuals in key positions across the city. But the job’s not done yet. Springfield’s financial health is fragile. The panel recommends that the Finance Control Board remain in place for another term."
The city’s 2007 budget is no longer balanced, but that’s an ongoing issue, with a lawsuit underway regarding the recently-implemented municipal trash fee. The controversy may only underline the panel’s recommendation that the control board remain in place.
"The business of government must be conducted with the highest legal, moral and professional standards," McLean went on, "and for that reason, we recommend that Springfield consider and adopt guiding principles."
The suggested principles, as McLean listed them, include "a commitment to excellence for all services and employees." Employees should conduct themselves according to "the highest possible standards," she said, and services should "ensure the highest value for [residents’] tax dollars."
"Insist on customer satisfaction," McLean continued. "Be open, accessible, and responsive. Appreciate diversity. Strive for continuous improvement, and be accountable."
Listen to McLean’s talk (mp4)
"Consider adopting all, or some, of these principles," she suggested. "Put them on a plaque. Put them on a building. Make them a part of every document. Then walk the talk."
"We were struck—all of us—by the rich ethnic and racial diversity that is Springfield," McLean commented. "It’s wonderful. But we were also struck by a sense of separateness."
"So we think strongly that inclusivity has to be a goal for this community," she concluded. "We think that you should continue the outreach and education programs that you have for minorities, and we think that you should add more, where possible. Make sure your staff—not just your government, but all your businesses—reflect your community, both ethnically and racially. Celebrate these cultures, promote tolerance, and also, where possible, consider that leadership programs be implemented."
For other portions of the Urban Land Institute presentation, see the sidebar gallery.
