Why Don't Planning Commissioners Get the Respect They Deserve?
by Elaine Cogan

You have to give respect to get respect, says Elaine Cogan in her look at ways in which planning commissioners can gain respect from the public they serve.

It sometimes seems that planning commissioners are the Rodney Dangerfields of local government. They get little respect and scant recognition for the work they do to preserve and improve their communities. Instead of being honored as heroes and heroines, they may be disparaged and reviled.

Planning is no longer associated with being a communist plot, but still, it is suspect by many people, possibly with good reason. There are few places in local government where citizens actually interact with bureaucrats on issues that are of primary concern to them -- what they can do with their dwelling places or businesses.

Yes, people can be rude and unappreciative, but misunderstandings are rarely completely one-sided. Changes in your behavior can go a long way to engendering civility and respect. ...

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