The world, its people, and communities keep evolving and changing with time. Right from their working patterns and demographics, to their lifestyles, ways of communicating and engaging, as well as collaboration mannerisms change. As underlined by Fred Glynn underlines that the local authorities need to respond to such changes and evolve their workings and approach in a similar manner, to be optimally effective and fulfill their duties efficiently. Glynn himself was elected to the Hamilton County Council in 2014, and is known to represent District 1 that features a major chunk of Carmel and the western edge of Fishers.
Flexibility, agility, rapid decision-making and expert management skills are important for all council members to be able to do their job efficiently, and cater to the people seamlessly. They need to keep pace with the evolving needs of the people, as well as develop a core skill set. As mentioned by Fred Glynn more than any seminars, classes, or books, the thoughtful and critical observation of others has helped him to mature and grow in the role of a county council member. Glynn was tapped by the Carmel Young Republicans as an up and coming politician right in the year of 2002, when he had just moved to Carmel. He subsequently went on to become the Hamilton County Coordinator for Vice President Mike Pence’s then 2012 gubernatorial campaign. As the seat opened in the County Council in 2014, Glynn was equipped with enough experience to run for an elected office himself. Subsequent to becoming a County Councilor, he had played a key role in balancing the County budget, as well as acted as an advocate for County road improvements, public safety, and parks.
Having years of experience in the domain, Fred Glynn has a good idea about the traits needed to be a good county council member. He marks some of those characteristics in the following points:
- Council work can be extremely draining and tiresome. Hence, in many cases, the elected officials tend to neglect themselves rationally and physically when involved with it. However, it is vital to note that good community decisions cannot be made if one is not in their full form. To be able to take care of the people, one needs to take care of their own selves first.
- A misguided sense of ‘know-it-all’ can be quite detrimental for a council person. While it provides them with an ego boost, it also makes them quite unapproachable. Hence, these individuals should acknowledge if they are not aware of something, as it showcases their openness and a willingness to learn, and makes people relate to them. A good council member would be willing to do more than just talk. They should also study, listen, and be willing to have their preconceived ideas challenged.
A good council member would have the capacity to talk articulately and intelligently, so as to demand respect from the people.
