It's Time to Discuss the "P" Word
by Elaine Cogan

  • this article is currently only available by mail as part of PCJ issue #16
    As a planning commissioner you operate in a political world. Elaine Cogan discusses how to conduct yourself effectively in such an environment.
    summaries of other Elaine Cogan articles

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    Polls show that "politicians" are held in very low esteem by the electorate and yet most incumbents are re-elected. Many citizens have a difficult time reconciling the need to be governed from the desire to be free from government interference.

    Local planning commissioners and their staffs are among the few regulatory bodies with which citizens are in touch. Planning board members are appointed by political bodies. Are you, then, a "politician"? If a majority of the following apply, you can be sure you are in politics.

  • You are accosted in the supermarket by strangers who press their case about a particular zoning or planning matter.
  • You are cornered at a party by a friend who does the same.
  • You are reminded gently by the mayor or a city councilperson of a favor you might return by leaning in a certain direction on a matter coming before the planning commission.
  • You are mentioned critically in a news story or editorial in the local paper or on television.
  • Your children come home from school with stories about what other children or their parents are saying about you.

    Whether or not you accept the title, "politician," as a member of the planning board, you certainly are an important actor in the political processes of your community. ...

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