Blueprint for Building Community
Leadership Insights for Good Government
by
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"Life is a paradox.” “Fact is stranger than fiction.” “Never say never.” All these catch phrases are a clear indication of the ironies of life. We just celebrated the 200
Adding to the irony, we have inaugurated a new President from Illinois. He is also our first African American President. Barack Obama has called for a commitment to a new generation of public service. He has asked for “our service and our active citizenship.” The energizing of the younger generation has been quite impressive, and, hopefully, a harbinger of things to come. For some of us from the “older” generation, we welcome this renewal. For those of us who have committed our lives to public service since the 1960s, however, we see an irony in that we have continued to carry the “torch” and never have lost the fire of commitment to community.
While the national stage may see an ebb and flow to the value of public service, there is one arena in which that commitment to public service glows brightly. This arena is the community in which each of us calls home. While all politics is local, the governance and management of our communities are marked by a steadiness of purpose and service that sets them apart.
The philosophical swings of national politics have taken on cataclysmic proportions almost daily. Services at the community level continue unabated. A resident is burglarized, calls the police department, and an officer responds. A fire alarm triggers the engines to roll. Public Works sends the salt and plow trucks to clear the newly fallen 4” snow fall. You step into the shower in the morning and turn the faucet, the running water helps start your day. No, the shifts of national politics don't dramatically change what residents in our communities see happening each day and the continuing need to deliver these services.
Local government, the “lost” level of government in the federal system, still quietly goes about its business. Oftentimes, communities progress in spite of Washington policies. The steadiness and quality of our communities is a tribute to the contributions that elected officials, citizens, and professional staff make to building and maintaining our communities.
DeTocqueville, in his nineteenth century assessment of American life, considered local governments as the training ground for our democracy. The leadership challenge for communities, however, grows as resources diminish and the political polarization at higher levels of government does nothing to address local needs. We need to better understand why and how we come together at the community level to best serve our residents.
For thirty seven years I have been immersed in the dynamic profession of city management. As I reflect on my career and the outstanding people and opportunities that have been part of that experience, I hope to share the insights that may guide communities --their elected officials, residents, and professional managers --through the difficult challenges ahead.
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About the Book
American cities are a basic part of the fabric of our democratic traditions. Many of these cities are served by professional city managers and administrators. Cities that succeed at an outstanding level often employ professionals. Yet the average American knows little about the role of these professionals. City managers have seldom written about their experiences. Blueprint for Building Community is a rare look at the career of a city manager. This career portrait is set in two Illinois communities --Park Forest and Woodridge--communities which hold high aspirations for their residents. City managers, partnering with elected leaders and citizens in these communities, have worked to fulfill those aspirations. This book highlights the values and relationships that must be cultivated by the city manager to successfully build community. Although the focus is on the role of the city manager, other key participants such as elected officials, citizens, and employees can gain from the insights. Community building requires connecting the key groups in the community to the mission and “sacred things” dear to residents. Harnessing the energy of all the players produces tremendous results. For the many people who worked to build Park Forest and Woodridge, and so many communities across this country, this book is a tribute to their efforts. This book is written to encourage the next generation of city managers to pursue the challenge of building communities. The author chronicles the lessons and principles that add to success as a city manager. He conveys the inspiration, passion and excitement to those who consider public service.
About the Author
John was Village Administrator for Woodridge Illinois from 1989-2009. He served in Park Forest, Illinois where he was Village Manager from 1983-1989. John began his career as Assistant to the Manager in Park Forest and was promoted to Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, and Acting Manager. He received an undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and an MPA degree from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University. Perry is known for mentoring local government professionals, which now serve in leadership positions in more than a dozen communities. John has served in a number of leadership positions in municipal organizations. Perry served as President of the Illinois City/County Management Association. He is a founding member of the Illinois Public Employer Labor Relations Association and also a founding member of the Intergovernmental Risk Management Agency which he also served as its Chair. He chaired the Managers Committee of the Illinois Municipal League. Perry chaired the Planning Committee of the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference and served on its Board of Directors. John served on the DuPage County Emergency Telephone System Board and chaired the Interoperable Radio Steering Committee. Perry was a founder of the Suburban Housing Coalition, now Diversity, Inc., and chaired the predecessor agency, the Fair Housing Legal Action Committee. During his service in Woodridge, the community was named “100 Best Places To Live” by Money Magazine and the “World's Greatest Community-Midwest by the World's Greatest TV Show. Park Forest was named an All-America City and a special mention recipient during his service in Park Forest. The Illinois City/County Management Association bestowed upon Perry its highest honor, the Robert Morris Lifetime Achievement Award. John twice received the Intergovernmental Cooperation Award of the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference. Perry received the Woodridge “Building on our Dream Award.” for outstanding contributions to community building. He is an ICMA Life member and a Credentialed Manager.