LETTER TO THE EDITOR
A government scorecard could go a long way toward improving local leadership.
I read with interest Charlie Payne's Guest Opinion of January 10, 2024. I agree that local government should provide essential services and ensure a positive quality of life for citizens.
While our local elections don't include party affiliations, candidates' leanings are often apparent. To promote accountability and focus on governing issues, I propose developing a quarterly scorecard to measure our elected leaders' performance. This approach could help minimize party influences and reduce constant campaigning rhetoric.
The scorecard would also benefit elections by allowing us to assess candidates' knowledge and support of key performance factors.
To implement this, I suggest the Fredericksburg Advance convenes a panel of formerly elected officials to create proposed scorecard criteria. Potential categories could include:
Governance and Leadership
Fiscal Responsibility
Community Development
Public Safety
Environmental Stewardship
Civic Engagement
Economic Development
I would further recommend the panel consider the ICMA’ recommended best practices.
The public would then be invited to ward meetings to provide input on the criteria. A revised scorecard would be submitted to local governing officials for acknowledgment through a resolution. If accepted, officials would commit to providing data to keep it current and accessible via a dashboard on the city's website.
Even if not officially adopted, the public could use this scorecard as a guide for evaluating candidates and officials.
James P Huber
Fredericksburg, VA
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I would suggest the ability to look ahead more than a few years should be considered. The flurry of two to three-year work programs is very visual and custom made for the relentless good news churned out by Public Information Officers. Looking ahead ten years or more, however, is important and looking ahead 30 to 50 years is critical for transportation planning, which becomes the framework and driving force for virtually everything else.
Excellent idea to which I would add making themselves available to speaking with concerned citizens throughout their term in office. If you are unapproachable to citizens, you are useless to them and should not run for office.
Let’s not forget the core qualities - integrity and a strong ethical foundation. The lack of these two character traits can thin the pool quickly.