Fro my last post I am going to summarize my time here in Oro Valley even though I still have another month down here. I started back on May 14th and I have grown by leaps and bounds. My knowledge from class has been the foundation of my experiences here. I have learned every minute that I have been at work. I come home mentally exhausted every day and come back for more. There truly is a lot to learn in the Public Administration field. I see now how people can spend a lifetime working in this field and still learn new things.
I am still hoping to one day be an assistant city manager. I enjoy working with the Town staff a little more than working with elected officials. I might one day wish to become a city manager, but for now I am setting my sights for the assistant.
The staff here has been so wonderful. I owe much to my supervisor. She has been instrumental in breaking my police habits that don’t serve my position well. She has a ton of experience with interns and it shows. I only wish I had more time to study under her. I honestly wish I had another couple of months here. I know that I still need a lot of work, but I am off to a good start. For that, I thank you Oro Valley.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
New Person
Moving can be a real pain, especially in hot AZ summer. You never really know how much stuff you have and don’t need until you have to move it all. I moved to Oro Valley from Scottsdale. Despite the time of packing, driving and unpacking I have enjoyed my time down here. There is something to be said for relocating. It is like you are starting a new life. You can be a whole new person. You get a clean slate. I personally have formed new habits that I probably could not have stuck with back in Scottsdale. Relocating forces you to redefine and start new things. Who will you be when you move next?
Hobby Video
For one of my Fluff posts I am putting a link to one of my hobbies, airsoft. I played, filmed and edited this game. It was one of the best ever.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exqTIK4qAdE
Being New
One cool thing about being new is that everyone is so nice to you. I have been at the town for exactly a month and a half and people are still super nice to me. I am getting invited to retirement parties and ice-cream socials and other end of the year stuff. In fact, the town’s library director used to have her own catering business. She retired and wrote a cook book. I was fascinated by this and she left the pizza party for a few minutes. She returned with a copy of her book and she signed it for me.
Its little things like that which make a big difference in the over all experience of the organization. I hope you all have had similar experiences and also try to make experiences like these for new people when you are part of your future work.
Its little things like that which make a big difference in the over all experience of the organization. I hope you all have had similar experiences and also try to make experiences like these for new people when you are part of your future work.
Free Time
Another observation I have had about work actually relates to my personal life. I have noticed that after working 40+ hours a week I really appreciate the things I do in my free time. They seem to have more of an impact on my mood and motivation for the week. I am involved in a sport and my team has always been cool. I enjoyed their company, but recently I have been truly enjoying our time. It is knowing that our time is fleeting and work will start again that makes the time I have so important. The same applies to my girlfriend. Going to the movies means more now than it did during my undergrad. I feel now as if I took all of those time for granted. I know that we all want more vacation, and that would be nice. I am reminded of the example of eating ice-cream everyday would make the ice-cream not taste as good eventually. I take comfort in knowing that a tough week will only make the free time that much sweeter.
Déjà Vu
Have you wanted to impress a boss so bad that you find yourself obsessing over your work? Work is different from class because if you work hard on a paper and know that it can still be better but are tired you start to add up the points in the class. You start to weight the costs and benefits of ending now versus putting the extra effort to get the points that you may not need.
Work is different because you see this person for more than a few hours each week. The stakes are higher. The rewards are better. When the person you respect and look up to acknowledges your work, it is such a relief. Therein lies the question.
Do you know if your boss realizes the power they have? Do they know that their words can make or break your day depending on the work you did? The real question is, will you remember these days when you are the boss and you are reviewing someone else’s work? I wonder if we will have that déjà vu moment of role reversal.
Work is different because you see this person for more than a few hours each week. The stakes are higher. The rewards are better. When the person you respect and look up to acknowledges your work, it is such a relief. Therein lies the question.
Do you know if your boss realizes the power they have? Do they know that their words can make or break your day depending on the work you did? The real question is, will you remember these days when you are the boss and you are reviewing someone else’s work? I wonder if we will have that déjà vu moment of role reversal.
4th of July Plans
This weekend is the big 4th of July weekend. I hope you all have some good plans ahead. I am taking an early day on Thursday to get up to Flagstaff for the weekend. I am looking forward to the mid 70 degree weather and scattered rain showers. I love the rain. Being Arizona born and raised I have come to appreciate water. I am hoping to dine at a few new restaurants up there. I really enjoy trying new places to eat.
I am hoping to get to a Thai place in the downtown area. My girlfriend loves Pineapple fried rice. It is a mixture of sweet and spice and very good with chicken, tofu or mock duck. My girlfriend is vegetarian, so that makes me half vegetarian.
The other place I am hoping we get to go to is a German restaurant. I love German food the most. It is hearty with full, bold flavors. The sauces that accompany each dish compliment each item on that dish. A gravy will go well with the protein and pasta. Another sauce will be good on potatoes and dumplings. There are not many German restaurants around and they can be a little pricey. For special occasions they are a wonderful treat.
I am hoping to get to a Thai place in the downtown area. My girlfriend loves Pineapple fried rice. It is a mixture of sweet and spice and very good with chicken, tofu or mock duck. My girlfriend is vegetarian, so that makes me half vegetarian.
The other place I am hoping we get to go to is a German restaurant. I love German food the most. It is hearty with full, bold flavors. The sauces that accompany each dish compliment each item on that dish. A gravy will go well with the protein and pasta. Another sauce will be good on potatoes and dumplings. There are not many German restaurants around and they can be a little pricey. For special occasions they are a wonderful treat.
Offering Services
One comment that is always brought up when people are talking about a new service is, “It’s harder to stop offering a service than it is to start.” Take for example a transit service for handicapped citizens. There is no requirement for a town or city to offer this service. Most places do of course, but they don’t have to. Most of the time those programs have a budget that costs the jurisdiction hundreds of thousands of dollars. On average fares collected from riders only make up about 10-15% of the total cost of offering the service. Can you imagine being in a position where you might have to consider taking something like that away.
Let me be clear though, this is merely an example. Oro Valley’s transit is doing very well and is highly supported. One remarkable thing to note is the volunteers that are working for the service Oro Valley offers.
Oro Valley has a program called Coyote Run. This is a system of buses that is available only for the elderly and disabled citizens of Oro Valley. The busses pickup the citizen and take them anywhere they need to go. As you can imagine there is no private Taxi service in Oro Valley. The program has several drivers that work part and full time. Now they have added volunteers to help with the workload. The amazing thing I discovered was that a few of the volunteers made it clear that they would only volunteer as long as they would not be replacing a paid employee. Thankfully that is not the case. The volunteers are to help with an 11% increase in demand and to allow the paid staff to start taking time off. The message is this, if you are going to think about offering a service that is going to be valued but costly, make sure that you can fund it in good times and tough times. Because I can tell you if you try to take away Coyote Run there would be hundreds of disappointed people.
Let me be clear though, this is merely an example. Oro Valley’s transit is doing very well and is highly supported. One remarkable thing to note is the volunteers that are working for the service Oro Valley offers.
Oro Valley has a program called Coyote Run. This is a system of buses that is available only for the elderly and disabled citizens of Oro Valley. The busses pickup the citizen and take them anywhere they need to go. As you can imagine there is no private Taxi service in Oro Valley. The program has several drivers that work part and full time. Now they have added volunteers to help with the workload. The amazing thing I discovered was that a few of the volunteers made it clear that they would only volunteer as long as they would not be replacing a paid employee. Thankfully that is not the case. The volunteers are to help with an 11% increase in demand and to allow the paid staff to start taking time off. The message is this, if you are going to think about offering a service that is going to be valued but costly, make sure that you can fund it in good times and tough times. Because I can tell you if you try to take away Coyote Run there would be hundreds of disappointed people.
Coworkers
I am sure that you have all heard at some point or another someone in your organization saying, “I have worked with other people before and this group is the best group I have ever worked with.” I hear that often at the town. Right now moral and tension can be felt because of the budget issues. This can make everyone look around and really appreciate the people around them.
For me, what makes people special is the personal touch that makes people you work with kind of like family. I have not been here long enough to experience that, but I see it. I want to work for an organization where I can do that. In all of my previous jobs that sort of thing was frowned upon. I enjoy people who have a good sense of humor and do not make a big deal out of everything. When someone exaggerates about something it makes me wonder what else have they inflated and why should I take them seriously?
What makes coworkers family to you? What qualities do hope for? What do you dread?
For me, what makes people special is the personal touch that makes people you work with kind of like family. I have not been here long enough to experience that, but I see it. I want to work for an organization where I can do that. In all of my previous jobs that sort of thing was frowned upon. I enjoy people who have a good sense of humor and do not make a big deal out of everything. When someone exaggerates about something it makes me wonder what else have they inflated and why should I take them seriously?
What makes coworkers family to you? What qualities do hope for? What do you dread?
James Bond
For one of my non-work related posts I will talk about the original James Bond movies. I have decided to watch all of the old ones in succession. I might get through 3 week. I finished Thunderball last night. So far Sean Connery has been the only Bond, but the days of Roger Moore are fast approaching. I know that the old ones have humorous special effects and can be quite cheesy. I enjoy them though. The story lines are original and the Bond actors have class.
I really enjoy the new Bond movies also. I don’t care what anyone says I like Daniel Craig and I loved Casino Royale! My friends all complained that there were not enough explosions but I disagreed. The acting was superb, it did not need that much pyro. I also loved my favorite Danish actor play the lead bad guy. Quantum of Solace was good, but I am a huge fan of the first one. Are you a Bond fan?
I really enjoy the new Bond movies also. I don’t care what anyone says I like Daniel Craig and I loved Casino Royale! My friends all complained that there were not enough explosions but I disagreed. The acting was superb, it did not need that much pyro. I also loved my favorite Danish actor play the lead bad guy. Quantum of Solace was good, but I am a huge fan of the first one. Are you a Bond fan?
Public Speaking Class
I had a bit of irony this week. 3 days after my first ever Council presentation I was invited to a public speaking presentation for our planning department. No, this was not a hint from my coworkers about my speaking ability. This was recommended because this was going to be one of the last presentations the town was going to attend for a little while. The presenter knew a few of the town staff and she catered the all day event for us.
Our class only went from 9-3 but it could have been a 2 day class easy. We made video recordings to critique ourselves and see the improvements. It was plain to see that the later recordings showed less nervous and making jokes while working on our weakness. I was given a packet of information that I will keep with me wherever I go. I have a feeling that I will be needing it in the future.
I learned a few valuable lessons about breathing techniques that make you speak louder and clearer. I enjoyed the experience and I think it will help in the future. I wonder if any of you guys have had to give presentations for work in front of 30 or more people? What kinds of advice were you given before hand? What tips help you cope with the nervousness and focus?
Our class only went from 9-3 but it could have been a 2 day class easy. We made video recordings to critique ourselves and see the improvements. It was plain to see that the later recordings showed less nervous and making jokes while working on our weakness. I was given a packet of information that I will keep with me wherever I go. I have a feeling that I will be needing it in the future.
I learned a few valuable lessons about breathing techniques that make you speak louder and clearer. I enjoyed the experience and I think it will help in the future. I wonder if any of you guys have had to give presentations for work in front of 30 or more people? What kinds of advice were you given before hand? What tips help you cope with the nervousness and focus?
Storm Water
I spent today shadowing a worker who specializes in Storm Water. I met with him at 5am to go out and check the mosquito traps he set the night before. The town traps and tests mosquitoes weekly. The purpose to is determine if any of the species of mosquitoes in the town carry West Nile or any other viruses that could harm people. The town has never had a single case. The town next to us had a case of West Nile because a resident purchased a plant from Africa over the internet. The plant was shipped with mosquito eggs already laid on the plant. When she watered it they began to grow. She kept wondering where all of the bugs came from because she never noticed them outside. The doctors figured out it was the plant she kept inside the house.
Mosquitoes are only one part of his job. He drafts and oversees the towns numerous storm water infrastructure. This infrastructure can be culverts than run under roads to channel water or grates on the side of the road that water flows into. They have excellent software that maps out each location and shows a picture of the infrastructure. They also have a guy who is on call who comes back to work if there is a severe storm or flood.
The funding for this department is very unique considering what they do. The water department in many other communities is actually a utility. They meter and bill citizens based off of usage, exactly like a power plant. Storm water is also categorized as a utility that gets inserted with the Water bill but is separate from everything else. The rate everyone pays is the same because the service the storm guys provide makes sure that roads, washes and all other property stay clean and clear from debris and dirt before, during and after storms. Everyone pays about $6.50 quarterly.
This funding is plenty for the Storm departments vehicles, equipment and people. The best thing about having Storm as a utility is that the revue they generate can only be used by them. Their budgets don’t face cuts when sales tax revenue falls. This is good because even though the economy is slow and people are shopping less does not mean there is less flooding and rain.
Mosquitoes are only one part of his job. He drafts and oversees the towns numerous storm water infrastructure. This infrastructure can be culverts than run under roads to channel water or grates on the side of the road that water flows into. They have excellent software that maps out each location and shows a picture of the infrastructure. They also have a guy who is on call who comes back to work if there is a severe storm or flood.
The funding for this department is very unique considering what they do. The water department in many other communities is actually a utility. They meter and bill citizens based off of usage, exactly like a power plant. Storm water is also categorized as a utility that gets inserted with the Water bill but is separate from everything else. The rate everyone pays is the same because the service the storm guys provide makes sure that roads, washes and all other property stay clean and clear from debris and dirt before, during and after storms. Everyone pays about $6.50 quarterly.
This funding is plenty for the Storm departments vehicles, equipment and people. The best thing about having Storm as a utility is that the revue they generate can only be used by them. Their budgets don’t face cuts when sales tax revenue falls. This is good because even though the economy is slow and people are shopping less does not mean there is less flooding and rain.
Learning from the Different Levels
I have had the opportunity to spend some time with the workers from the Public Works Department. These guys do things like new road construction, pavement maintenance, inspections, permits, transit and storm water. I have had a great time getting out of the cubicle and onto the street. I put on a reflective vest and a hard hat and shadowed some cool guys. It is always interesting learning the experiences of workers from different levels of the organization. I learn about the organization from the top end perspective where large decisions are made.
I made sure not to try to explain the rationale of why those decisions are made to the street level guys. I honestly don’t fully understand all of the reasons those decisions were made. There are also some politics floating around the decisions that I don’t grasp as well. Rather I just tried to explain how things are taught at ASU. So this allowed me to share a perspective from a manager’s point of view from an academic stand point. Sometimes decisions with unpleasant outcomes are blamed on the manager, both by staff and council. That’s fine because only the Council can get rid of the Manager with a majority vote. Council may not blame the manager openly, but difficult solutions are left to him to propose to make him the bad guy for bringing them up.
Sometimes workers within an organization don’t fully understand the big picture, most times they do. I enjoyed listening to the Public Works guys because they are the no nonsense type and have a good sense of humor. A couple of them have told me to come have lunch with them before I leave. I was pleased to hear that and I will most certainly take them up on that.
I made sure not to try to explain the rationale of why those decisions are made to the street level guys. I honestly don’t fully understand all of the reasons those decisions were made. There are also some politics floating around the decisions that I don’t grasp as well. Rather I just tried to explain how things are taught at ASU. So this allowed me to share a perspective from a manager’s point of view from an academic stand point. Sometimes decisions with unpleasant outcomes are blamed on the manager, both by staff and council. That’s fine because only the Council can get rid of the Manager with a majority vote. Council may not blame the manager openly, but difficult solutions are left to him to propose to make him the bad guy for bringing them up.
Sometimes workers within an organization don’t fully understand the big picture, most times they do. I enjoyed listening to the Public Works guys because they are the no nonsense type and have a good sense of humor. A couple of them have told me to come have lunch with them before I leave. I was pleased to hear that and I will most certainly take them up on that.
Big Project Update
I finally had my presentation. I was a bit nervous as it was my first time in front of council, however I had complete trust in my supervisor. I have learned to trust her and my fellow intern implicitly. When I am organizing or writing something they often have structural comments to change the order of information I present. At first I felt a little uncomfortable changing the form of my writing, but I had to remember that they have been doing this for years.
After several practice sessions and revisions I had a powerpoint presentation that lasted 7 minutes. I video recorded it with my camera so I can study it for corrections and to look back on. The presentation itself went well. There were no technical difficulties and I did not make too many speech errors. It was the questions afterwards that were the tough part.
I gave my presentation in seven minutes; my topic was not finished for another hours and fifteen minutes. I stood for quite a while taking a fair amount of heat. The thing about answering questions from Council is knowing what is a question and what is a statement.
Council members will often say things that sound like questions, but rather are statements for or against the topic for the public and other Council members to hear.
Another aspect to keep in mind is answering the question they ask. If you answer the question in a way that makes them feel like you are talking down to them, god help you. When Council is in session they are in the hot seat. They are being judged by everything they say and do. I respect that, and understanding that it is all part of the system makes it easy to take what feels like heat from them.
The topic I presented had some followers both for and against in the public. Council members were also for and against. Those against had to discuss why my research and results could not be supported. My fellow workers felt for me and I appreciated it. Afterwards a few Council members even came up to me and told me that I did a good job. Even the ones who grilled me were saying that it was nothing personal. So, my trust in my friends paid off and the structure did a good job presenting the information in a clear debatable format. I don’t think I have a project that requires me to present in front of Council again while I am here. I have a feeling that this will not be the last council presentation I do.
After several practice sessions and revisions I had a powerpoint presentation that lasted 7 minutes. I video recorded it with my camera so I can study it for corrections and to look back on. The presentation itself went well. There were no technical difficulties and I did not make too many speech errors. It was the questions afterwards that were the tough part.
I gave my presentation in seven minutes; my topic was not finished for another hours and fifteen minutes. I stood for quite a while taking a fair amount of heat. The thing about answering questions from Council is knowing what is a question and what is a statement.
Council members will often say things that sound like questions, but rather are statements for or against the topic for the public and other Council members to hear.
Another aspect to keep in mind is answering the question they ask. If you answer the question in a way that makes them feel like you are talking down to them, god help you. When Council is in session they are in the hot seat. They are being judged by everything they say and do. I respect that, and understanding that it is all part of the system makes it easy to take what feels like heat from them.
The topic I presented had some followers both for and against in the public. Council members were also for and against. Those against had to discuss why my research and results could not be supported. My fellow workers felt for me and I appreciated it. Afterwards a few Council members even came up to me and told me that I did a good job. Even the ones who grilled me were saying that it was nothing personal. So, my trust in my friends paid off and the structure did a good job presenting the information in a clear debatable format. I don’t think I have a project that requires me to present in front of Council again while I am here. I have a feeling that this will not be the last council presentation I do.
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