Transparency and Ethics are separate concepts with distinct meanings, yet they are interdependent. Some may view these two words as just the latest in political buzz, but taking the time to understand their meaning, and how they can be used to improve Forest Preserve government, will help the public enforce these standards for the betterment of everyone.
Transparency
Transparency means openness, communication and accountability. Historically, Du Page County government has operated on a need to know basis without regard for community involvement. Currently, some boards in Du Page - including the Forest Preserve Board - are beginning to react to the public's request for information by showing what has been done after the fact. The obvious shortcoming in either approach is that the tax paying public and media are left with little opportunity for input.
Straight forward transparency is a better approach. Open invitation to the public and the media early on in the decision process allows for better use of resources. Critics of this approach will argue that public awareness results in a slower process and increased cost.
I disagree!
I have been involved in public debates on key issues before both the County and Forest Preserve Boards, I can attest to the wasted dollars and the serious impact on residents caused by the current way of conducting business. I have lead a number of volunteer groups to victory on key issues. It is apparent to me that there is wisdom in crowds, that the many are smarter than the few, and that a policy of transparency prevails in every case. I have been impressed with the positive impact of collective knowledge when local people organize to address poor decisions made by a governmental body. To accomplish a truly open and accountable Forest Preserve organization, I will insist on:
- that the public be notified of pending items by posting the Board meeting packets the same time they are distributed to the Board members so that they can make plans to participate in the decision process;
- making all meetings immediately available via webcast;
- posting meeting minutes; and
- complete and accurate meeting records that reflect not only Board comments, but the Public's comments as well.
The model I support is the forefront of government transparency: an integrated public record system, with agendas, minutes, and audio/video recordings, all archived, cross linked, and searchable by keywords, based on open data standards and digital documents. This change to electronic media storage will improve transparency for the public as well as increase efficiency of the Board and staff. Increased electronic access to all transactions within the Forest Preserve District will decrease the need for Forests Preserve department heads and staff to attend weekly Board meetings and invest the savings in time to managing the operation.
The public will not be required to take time from work to accommodate Forest Preserve Board daytime meetings. Citizens will be able to obtain information and plan to participate in ways and at times convenient to their personal schedules. The current two to three month delay in reporting Forest Preserve business will be eliminated. Increased electronic efficiency will reduce the fiscal budget while improving communications and staff and public knowledge.
Ethics
Ethics are the standards used to decide what is right and wrong. Ethical decisions cannot be made in the absence of values. In a public body, the values of the organization are laid out in the mission of the organization and it is the Board's job to insure that these values are upheld through careful attention to the mission of the organization. A principal value of the Forest Preserve mission is the well-being of the environment though the balanced nurturance of people, flora, fauna and land. Ethical leadership requires that every situation be viewed in light of the mission of the organization.
Money is often at the center of ethical dilemmas. Currently, there are a number of financial reforms the Forest Preserve should implement to insure that the highest standards are being met. The use of no bid contracts for service work for hundreds of thousands of dollars must be eliminated. Campaign contributions from forest preserve contractors and vendors must be eliminated. Financial tracking of grant moneys must be clear and transparent instead of absent. Projects are currently undertaken without proper due diligence, resources, time and money is being wasted. Thousands of dollars have been invested in ill-conceived projects that were not inline with the mission of the Forest Preserve. Millions of dollars have been funneled to proposed projects that have not been vetted with the public. These behaviors are unethical and therefore a disregard of the values for which the Forest Preserve stands.
Conclusion
The Forest Preserve Board needs to become a government role model of preservation and education for the next generation: one where ethical practices and high standards are set. To put these ideals into practice the entrenched Board will need to be changed. The Board personnel should be the first line of defense against unethical behavior and if elected Hilary, Eric and Shannon and I all pledge to bring a cultural change to the Board and place into practice policies that foster better government. The four of us have a pattern in our personnel and volunteer efforts of implementing improved standards and defending prudent environment stances. We have demanded accountability and responsibility of our elected officials and will bring these core and innate beliefs to our respective offices.
