Hinckley Journal of Politics

Principles of Good Governance: Getting to Yes

What is Salt Lake Mayor Ralph Becker’s philosophy of governance? He spells it out in an article in the latest edition of the Hinckley’s Institute’s Journal of Politics. The article, titled, "Finding Winning Solutions – The Art and Science of Good Governance,” clearly outlines Becker’s leadership style as collaborative and consensus-building, rather than confrontational and top-down.

In the article, Becker describes his experience with formal collaborative governance exercises through organizations like the Policy Consensus Initiative (PCI). He outlines the process of collaborative governance and decision-making and says it is more effective because it is lasting, effective, and creates more buy-in among stakeholders.  Says Becker: “Arriving at successful decisions for the public takes a combination of listening, common sense, intuition, and some tools. Some of us have learned mostly by trial and error. With resources like PCI and hundreds of efforts around the country, however, the art and science of good governance is at our fingertips. Think what our government would look like if we adopted principles of transparency, inclusiveness, and participant-based decision-making as the norm. Imagine how much better and involved our communities would be if residents felt like their voices mattered.” Read Becker’s full article and other Journal articles here.

Update on Lampropoulos

What’s Fred Lampropoulos up to these days? Check out this profile by Greg Jarrard at Utah Pulse, the Utah business web site. After dabbling in politics, the former gubernatorial candidate is focused mostly on his successful business, Merit Medical.

Washington Watch

Hatch, Kennedy, and 'Headed Home'

The New Yorker takes a mildly sarcastic look at Sen. Orrin Hatch and his song "Headed Home," a tribute he composed this summer for his cancer-stricken friend, Sen. Ted Kennedy: "[The song is] reported to be under consideration for the Democratic Convention by the Boston Globe, which called it 'lilting.' ... [But] Hatch wasn't optimistic about getting his new song into the Convention. He said, 'Steny Hoyer' -- the House majority leader -- 'told my staff they'll never play it, because it's got a double meaning.' The title 'Headed Home' sounds as though it could mean headed home to Heaven, but, Hatch said, 'I meant that [Kennedy] was coming back to the Senate.' Recently, Hatch sent an MP3 of the song to the Kennedys. About an hour later, Senator Kennedy called him again. 'He said, "Hey, Orrin, this is really wonderful." I said I was worried that he'd misconstrued the meaning. And he said, "No, don't worry about it. It's a good song."'"

Business & Global Warming

Global warming, cap and trade, carbon footprints -- what do these terms mean to you, your organization, Utah and the nation? EDCUtah's annual meeting on Sept. 4 at 11:30 a.m. may be the best place to find out. EDCUtah will host Dr. Anne Smith, a nationally recognized expert in environmental policy assessment and corporate compliance strategy planning. Smith will address the issue of "How National Climate Change Policy Affects Regional Economic Development." On a regional level, Utah is at the forefront of a proposed "cap and trade" system that would be imposed upon utilities and industries that are major sources of greenhouse gases. The system is supported by seven western governors and leaders in four Canadian provinces. Read this week's Economic Review for more details on EDCUtah's annual meeting and the climate change policy issues that look to shape our livelihoods for years to come.

Today in Political History

Aug. 5, 1861:  The federal government levies an income tax for the first time.

Aug. 5, 1884:  The cornerstone for the Statue of Liberty is laid on Bedloe's Island in New York Harbor.Aug. 5, 1963: The United States, Britain and the Soviet Union sign a treaty in Moscow banning nuclear tests in the atmosphere, outer space and underwater.  (Source:  NY Times ) 

Wise Words

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” —Winston Churchill (Patriot Post)

Communications Tip

Effective Team Communications

All too often we assume the way we like to communicate is the way others like to as well. NOT TRUE! Instead of assuming you know, begin by observing how your team members communicate with other people. Do they tend to socialize before getting down to business, or do they tend to be very direct. Observing will give you clues as to how your team prefers to communicate in a given situation. You can then adapt your management style to meet the needs of each individual member.  (Source:  Student Leadership) 

National Politics

Best Stories From . . .

-- Rasmussen Reports: "The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows the race for the White House is tied with Barack Obama and John McCain each attracting 44% of the vote. However, when 'leaners' are included, it's McCain 47% and Obama 46%. This is the first time McCain has enjoyed even a statistically insignificant advantage of any sort since Obama clinched the Democratic nomination on June 3."

-- New Republic: Editorial: "[Somehow, despite Obama's domination of the airwaves,] McCain remains in the game. This is not easy to explain -- and it should cause a great deal of introspection at Obama headquarters. For all the many ways that the stars have aligned for Obama, he has yet to take full advantage of what historically has been a great opportunity. Of course, we speak of the economy. These are the type of painful times when voters invariably turn to Democrats. So why aren't they turning to Obama in greater numbers?"

-- USA Today: "[McCain and Obama] have been on opposite sides of the debate over U.S. policy in Iraq for much of the past two years. Now, they seem to be drawing closer together. Both now say the U.S. military can begin winding down combat operations in Iraq. Both believe the U.S. should begin stepping up its combat presence in Afghanistan. And each candidate says those views are a change of heart for his opponent."

-- Politico: "House Republicans vowed to continue their talkathon on the House floor 'as long as it takes,' saying Monday they would continue their protest indefinitely if House Speaker Nancy Pelosi does not allow for a vote on domestic oil drilling. 'There are plans underway to be here into next week,' said Rep. Mike Pence, one of the organizers of the protest. 'We will be here as long as it takes.'"

Lighter Side

Happy Thought for the Day

“Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.”

—Anonymous