"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

— Preamble of the Constitution of the United States

"The only legitimate right to govern is an express grant of power from the governed."

We citizens of Blue Springs are both owners and customers of our city's government.

As owners, we bear the responsibility to elect individuals capable of completing the work necessary for our government to function on our collective behalf. Our obligation continues with keeping our elected officials informed of relevant issues to ensure the city's priorities are aligned with the public vision for a prosperous future.

As customers, we must stay informed of issues impacting our community and objectively review the decisions of our policy makers. In an ideal setting, we trust our elected officials to deliver relevant data unprompted. This provides us a means for constructive feedback.

I conclude, in partnership with the electorate, our governing body must establish and maintain forums for guided discussion to assimilate and assess public concerns. Furthermore, as time is finite, every participant must make the effort to improve the efficiency and efficacy in which they communicate. This important democratic process on which our republic was founded, preserves transparency and builds trust.

GOVERNANCE

BEING HEARD

"Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don't."

I champion the notion we all have something to contribute to living in Blue Springs. Fostering civic growth encourages neighborhood involvement and public collaboration. Public gatherings with elected officials present should occur regularly. This strengthens the trust and bond between neighbors and the citizens they elect to perform the duties necessary to run our city government. Debating relevant topics in advance of city council meetings ensures people have a chance to have their concerns heard and agreements can be made before a critical vote is cast.

Empathy and understanding are requisite for mutual respect. Mutual respect provides an audience to listen to your concerns. Listening is key to helping cultivate common ground. When we understand what we have in common, we are able to unite. United people deliver the greatest impact to their community. Working with others toward a communal goal builds trust. Trust is necessary to solve problems objectively and often results in solutions that work best for everyone.

We must always say what we mean and mean what we say. This honorable path provides no room for deceit, and is the key to being heard.

VALUE

"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value."

Being of value is an attitude, or a frame of mind - not the answer to a question. The perspective of adaptive thinking and selfless objectivity, enables us to focus on the effort rather than the outcome. Groups of people with this mindset are highly collaborative and ultimately very productive. We find this readily evident when we examine prominent team successes in sports, music, or military operations.

Missouri's state motto "Salus populi suprema lex esto" translates to "The safety of the people should be the supreme law". Adopted roughly six months after our state was established, the motto has reminded Missourians for more than 200 years their government shall be of value to its people.

Sometimes we forget our government is designed to be of value to its citizens. Every representative is responsible for regularly communicating their value to their constituency. If their value is not evident or isn't communicated effectively, the electorate retains the right to protest and vote for change.