Q&A: Part One
Here are the League of Women Voters' questions we didn't get to fully answer Thursday night because we ran out of time. Let's fix that.
Full disclosure: the next few emails will be a little longer than normal. But as you’ll recall from my Oct. 22 email, I’m planning to answer every single question asked of both the mayor candidates and those for Town Council, whether they were used during the Candidate’s Forum or not. Have one you want to include? Email me at andrew4central@gmail.com.
If you’re still undecided, and are looking for the kind of details that will help you choose a candidate, the next few emails might help. At the very least, you’ll be more informed—which is the absolute least any of the current elected officials and/or candidates can do. And, as a reminder, please forward this email to as many people as you can. While I would love for folks to sign up for the newsletter, the most important thing is that everyone stay informed. Please feel free to share!
OK. Let’s get to those questions…
League of Women Voters (LWV): Describe the primary duties and challenges of the position of mayor.
Andrew Beckner (AB): Before judging a politician’s qualifications and policy positions, we need to examine their motivation. All elected officials should primarily be driven by a desire to serve. It’s a simple, old-fashioned idea, and far too often dismissed. A mayor’s primary duty is simple, also: to demonstrate servant leadership in ways that improve people’s lives. But simple isn’t always easy, especially these days. I think a big challenge facing the next mayor will be leading by example at a crucial moment in our town’s history. The mayor should inspire us to come together and collaboratively build the foundation of our town’s future—one that works for everyone.
LWV: What specific experience or education do you have that equip you to serve effectively as mayor?
AB: As a strategic communications executive, I’ve spent 20 years clearly and consistently communicating important information in the public interest. The skills necessary to be an effective communicator are useful in any environment. For example, I’ve worked in the fields of media and publishing; internet and social media marketing; faith-based social services; electricity generation; and higher education, among others. Perhaps most relevant is my public service experience as an aide to a US Senator. There, one of my primary responsibilities was to break down barriers between elected representatives and the people they serve. That will be useful if I’m elected, as will my understanding of how government, in a very limited capacity, can effectively improve the lives of its citizens.
LWV: What do you believe are the most important issues facing the mayor now and in the future?
AB: Central is blessed by geography. Along with abundant natural resources, we are located near highly regarded public and private universities; have an educated and well-trained workforce; and enjoy easy access to metro areas such as Atlanta, Asheville, Charlotte, and Greenville. But that's why our community is at a crossroad. Being located in one of the fastest growing regions in the country is a double-edged sword; growth brings both challenges and opportunities, after all. Remaining true to our values and who we are as a community while fostering development and growth requires strong leadership and hard work. We need city leaders who are available and engaged, communicating to—and collaborating with—citizens to establish a clear and collective vision of what our community should look like in the years to come. There are many issues facing our community, but in my opinion, this is #1 now, and in the years ahead.
LWV: How would you address these issues?
AB: The crucial first step is for city leaders to be curious, engaged, excited, and willing to put in the work, counting it as joy to serve their friends and neighbors. That is precisely the energy I’m bringing to the campaign, and how I’ll serve as mayor. I’ll lead by example and with humility as I attempt to create an exciting environment at city hall. I think it’s important to make clear that I have not—and will not—criticize the character of any current elected official. However, many people have told me that some leaders aren’t demonstrating the passion and zeal required for such a time as this. In other words, it’s not unreasonable to wonder if we are simply going through the motions. If true, that will not cut it. The stakes are too high. That should be motivating, and fill us with enthusiasm! I am eager to get started.
LWV: What would you recommend in order to increase citizens’ awareness and understanding of the activities of local government?
AB: Citizen awareness and engagement is a big part of my campaign, and one of the reasons I filed to run for mayor. It is so important that we prioritize clear and consistent communication with residents we serve. There are specific, easily accomplished steps we could take right now that would demonstrate openness and foster understanding. For example, we should use social media better, and our website needs a complete overhaul. I have the practical experience to improve both of those immediately. Further, officials need to be visible and available. As mayor, I will establish regular office hours and invite residents to visit and share their thoughts. Other practical steps include providing ample notice of all public meetings above and beyond what the law requires; and, in public settings, explain in detail the issues being discussed and their impact on citizens. (For more information, I’ve outlined these and other steps on my campaign website: Andrew4Central.com.)
LWV: Is the process of selecting members of commissions and committees sufficiently transparent and reflective of the diversity of the community? Please explain.
AB: With all due respect, the answer is “no.” Unless it’s been changed recently, Central’s website shows 3 commissions/committees, only one of which lists members’ names. Another has a paragraph explaining its purpose, but that’s it. The only information available online for the third commission/committee is a 2-month old agenda that lists, without context, 3 items (one of which is “Adjourn.”) Further, there appears to be little citizen input on the process until appointees are presented to council for final approval. Without a public forum, citizens have no opportunity to ask questions and review qualifications. Let me be clear: We have many dedicated, honorable and intelligent people serving in appointed positions, and they do an excellent job. But we should at least meet folks before they are sworn in. Finally, I believe strongly that those who serve our city, elected or appointed, should absolutely be representative of our community. We could always do better.
LWV: If you encounter a conflict of interest, how will you handle it? Please give an example.
AB: I will not engage in even the appearance of impropriety. Regarding personal ethics, there is no “gray area.” While serving the Senator, the CEO of a non-profit organization asked me to consult with her to improve their communication effort. This was during the Senator’s last year before retirement, just as I was thinking of establishing my own firm; a respected nonprofit would have been a great first client. Nevertheless, I sought the advice of our staff attorney and searched archives for previous work our office had performed for the organization. The attorney advised that consulting for the non-profit was legal, and any ethical questions raised could be easily answered. However, my research showed the Senator previously helped the organization secure a federal grant. While his support was both ethical and perfectly legal (it’s a common way legislators assist non-profit organizations,) and the grant was awarded years before I was hired, I respectfully declined the opportunity.
Again, I know that was a long post, but I hope you found it instructive and gave you a clearer understanding of who I am, and what I stand for.
If not, please reach out. I’d love to meet you and make your acquaintance—whether you vote for me or not.
For Central,
- Andrew
UP NEXT:
Your written questions that weren’t answered at the LWV Candidate’s Forum
Q&A with the Anderson Independent Mail/Greenville News
Q&A with the Seneca Journal
Why, at 45 years-old, I still dress up for Halloween