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(4.)
(A Frequently Asked Question)
How
Can
Rocky River Citizens
Beat Rocky
River City Hall?
(Answer)
I’m a
13-year
Rocky River
resident. I’ve attended Rocky River council meetings since 1993.
I’ve
been involved in community issues for more than 19 years helping
citizens, citizen groups and businessmen in Rocky River
and in surrounding communities. I helped community groups and
elected officials as well.
I’ve
helped stop a regional minimum security jail from being built in a
Rocky River business/residential area in 1993. I helped stop city
halls’ attempt to privatize Rocky River's 7 divisions of city services, like
garbage pick-up, street plowing etc. in 1995. I’ve been active in
preserving
Rocky River’s
neighborhoods since 1993.
You too can make a difference and win!
Whenever we
decide to take on and stop a Rocky River city government idea
that's unpopular, a vigorous and smart citizen opposition is
needed.
Mostly you will need money, a tireless "fire in the gut" determination to
win, and to know your opposition's strengths and weaknesses and how it works.
You will need to understand the issue your concerned about and be
plain spoken about that issue
to others. Don't just voice your opposition to your
issue but voice a logical solution to your issue as well.
DO
NOT be defined as a group that "has heat but no light."
Your opposition will be big, slow and conventional. What your group
will
lack in size you will possess in an unconventional style of
opposition. Below,
suggests what that unconventional style can be.
1.
Identify Winning Goal
Your
whole group must agree
in advance what your winning effort will be. Do you want to stop
the idea entirely? Do you want to shrink down the proposed idea?
Do you want to negotiate with your opposition and seek a more
desirable solution? You can also send out conflicting winning
goal messages.
2. Inform and Build Citizen Support and Trust
"Control public
opinion and you will rule the issue." Communicate with fellow citizens about your effort and ask them to join or support your group.
Call on political official's support as well. You will need
help. The opposition already has special interest's waiting in
line to help.
3. Raise Money
"Everyone needs money to operate." Your group's effort may need a
consultant or a lawyer. Services can be donated. Yet hiring a
consultant or lawyer will make your road easier to travel.
Fund
raising can be garage sales or mail solicitation. Local
businesses or organizations may also support your effort if it
benefits them. It is your call.
4.
Speak With One Disciplined Voice and Spokesperson
All members of your
group need to be on the same page. Speak with one intelligent
and disciplined non-contradictory voice. Also, be careful to whom you speak to.
Remember,
"loose lips sink ships!"
Just
have one experienced spokesperson.
5.
Delegate Responsibilities to the 'right people'
Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. You be the "coach"
and decide where this person or that person can be utilized to be
most effective for their task and the group's effort.
I have found tasks like the media, finance and volunteer
recruitment are the most important tasks to be filled initially.
6. Disagree in Private, Not in Public
"Do not let the opposition see you sweat, or see you fight with
fellow supporters." Your group will probably be made up of
- high octaned, opinionated, budding leaders, axe to grind and
government conspiracy theorist - citizens. Who else would
get involved and fight over city issues?
Do not let your well-meaning impassioned volunteers be defeated
by fighting amongst themselves.
In private, let your group know, "This effort is their effort
and we will work as a team and 'lone wolf-type personalities'
will only hurt the group and it's purpose."
Remember, there will always be 'hot in-group conflicts' but be
prepared to resolve them when necessary and behind closed doors.
Always show unity in public and to the media.
Remember, Victory is
spelled T-E-A-M.
7. Carry Out This Final Winning Step and Win!
It is now time 'your assembled and united group' uses it's
energy and ability to finally defeat your opposition and it's
unpopular idea.
You must direct
your group’s ability (through the various
means suggested above) directly at your opposition's 'known
source of strength' so you can 'decisively influence and
neutralize' their ability to carry out their plan.
Once you have
neutralized their strength, you will have effectively 'cut off ' their ability to
carry out their unpopular plan that you oppose.
Checkmate, You Win!
"In closing, if your heart leads you to 'oppose' an issue and
you know if the issue is stopped you will benefit others.
Even benefit those who will criticize your efforts or whom you will never
meet. In my book before you even start your opposition, you are already a
"winner."
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