Council or School Board: Who's had it tougher?
It hasn't been peaches and cream (or herb for that matter) for those volunteers who decided run for our local city government. Some of the topics and issues that both have tackled in the last few years would be the highlight of many resumes. In return, those who sit on the council or are school board commissioners have grown thick skin because they can't please everyone. In some cases they haven't pleased anyone. It's a tough job, that isn't even categorized as a job.
The current council and school board haven't had the 'problem' of approving a new aquatic center or working with parents to put together a building referendum. Our current roster of local government volunteers have been saying 'no'. Maybe they've had to say no because prior volunteers didn't say no when they should have said it. Either way the last few years as an elected, non-partisan volunteer must have been tough ones.
As an outside observer it appears that school board commissioners took the brunt of 'tough' in 2011. They had a huge budget deficit and worked with the administration to make it work. While our city has union contracts, the contract with our Janesville teachers was the focus in our community in 2011. They've put a combination of solid plans and band-aids together to keep the district moving. That's quite a way to spend your volunteer hours.
Our council has also tried to balance less income and more debt. So far they've succeeded in maintaining a balance of not cutting too many 'quality of life' pieces to the Janesville puzzle with the harsh reality of lack of funds. I know that most departments in the city prepare for the worst and the council does what it can to keep Janesville…well…Janesville. That's getting tougher and tougher to do.
As I mentioned earlier, you can't please everyone and in some cases it seems like they haven't pleased anyone. The griping and grumbling must make it tougher. I thank those who volunteer their time to better our community. We will have a few new faces on both our council and school board. 2012 isn't shaping up to be much better than 2011. It's going to be tough.
Whose had it tougher? What are you looking for in a local volunteer that will guide our community through this seemingly endless recession?
Steve Knox was born, raised and landed back in Janesville. He encourages you to participate as he writes on Janesville and beyond as this Generation X guy supports his Janesville mission, global vision. Steve is a community blogger and is not a part of The Gazette staff. His opinion is not necessarily that of the The Gazette staff or management.
Jan 23, 2012 at 8:35 p.m.
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TAX PAYERS!
Jan 23, 2012 at 7:04 p.m.
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County Board.
Jan 23, 2012 at 6:42 p.m.
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"hdonlybob
Jan 23, 2012 at 11:52 a.m.
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Both are very tough jobs, and anyone who has the courage to run, whether I agree/like them or not has my respect....."
I will disagree- KAB has no respect coming from me. Happy she gave up this year. I cannot respect somebody who wears a hat like that and is a bit off her rocker!
"but I think the City Counsel has had a slight bit tougher year than the school board, as their decisions directly affect more people in the City."
A disagree ehre as well. it does involve everybody because everybodies' cash is involved. You still pay if you have kids or not and we ALL go to school at some time in our lives.
Jan 23, 2012 at 4:48 p.m.
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"Whose had it tougher"
isn't it "who has"
Soem times I think it should be a paid postition so we can fire or hire people who know what they are doing instead of idiots or "popular" people.
Jan 23, 2012 at 4:24 p.m.
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Yes, two school districts in the city of Janesville...Janesville School District and Milton School District.
Jan 23, 2012 at 12:18 p.m.
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Good post Steve. Neither group has any easy time. Then, factor in they are unpaid. Thank you to all who donate their time and efforts.
Jan 23, 2012 at 11:52 a.m.
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Both are very tough jobs, and anyone who has the courage to run, whether I agree/like them or not has my respect.....
Tough choice to your question, but I think the City Counsel has had a slight bit tougher year than the school board, as their decisions directly affect more people in the City.
As to what it takes, I strongly feel that it takes someone that can take criticism without taking it personal, be open minded, and probably the most important thing is the guts to just say NO on issues that you feel are wrong.
Interesting article by the way.......
Jan 23, 2012 at 11:37 a.m.
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Who has it tougher? Let me see... Would it be the people who spend other people's money, or the people that receive other people's money?
How about the people they're taking the money from?
I'm just sayin'...
Jan 23, 2012 at 8:59 a.m.
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Two school districts in Janesville?
Jan 23, 2012 at 8 a.m.
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Midnight Ride: you must be GOP. http://www.eduinreview.com/blog/2008/09/...
And your comment is more of an ill-informed off topic rant, rather than answering the question.
City council is tougher imho, there are two school districts in Janesville, and only one having a tough time it seems like.
Jan 23, 2012 at 6:51 a.m.
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When people are educated, the distinction between classes disappears.
Obama Killed the D.C. School-Voucher Program
Govenor Walker talks up Vouchers and Charter schools while unions protest.
Democrats have proven over and over again, the lower educated the individual, the higher the vote count they get. The 1% class warfare is also the trick they use to say "you are not good enough" don't even try to join in, just hate those who have.
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