On Friday, September 16, 2011, Chula Vista City Council held a special workshop at Montevalle Park – open to the public. The workshop focused on the council’s shared vision, goals, etc … the key word here is SHARED. The discussion included civic engagement – something we believe in personally and professionally.
For the most part dialogue was good … yes; there was actual dialogue as they tried to agree on shared views. It put them in a very vulnerable position – but it was raw discussion about the city not the politics. Refreshing.
As any strategist knows the process takes time. Due diligence is needed. There was obvious anxiousness by some of our councilmembers for immediate action – and who can blame them. How many times and how many years have they discussed these strategies: slogans, commercials, marketing tools, neighborhood councils, speakers bureaus – money spent… money lost.
Several years ago a speakers bureau was being re-instated and councilmembers where asked to select days to present to community on City happenings. Busy councilmembers couldn’t confirm dates. Those that committed where then accused of trying to posture themselves. Some organizations cried foul. They worked to stop it and ultimately succeeded. At the end, our city representatives couldn’t go out into the community to share the great happenings of Chula Vista – why? Because politics was more important than the benefit of our community.
As for this workshop, we believe our council did the first effective step – hire outside help for a more effective process to develop sustainable measures. (Note the first step was to create ground rules).
We hope our city council continue on this road – be unified in their vision for Chula Vista. They don’t have to agree with every project or every idea, but together they can create the platform. If they want our communities to all believe in the Chula Vista brand – then they have to live the brand themselves.
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