Monday, September 30, 2013

A Small Question

I was at a meeting recently where those present discussed attendance at the League of Municipalities conference. One person who wanted to go is an appointee who, given that the conference is Nov. 19 to 21, will only have six weeks to serve before leaving office. I thought there was a rule a while back that those leaving office should yield to others who will continue in office, given that city funds are used for registration.
Should it be first come, first served, or should preference be given to those who will share what they learn at the conference as they continue in office through 2014 and beyond?

--Bernice

4 comments:

  1. It makes no sense for a lame duck appointee to attend a conference or training seminar. The City accrues no benefit from the expenditure.

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  2. If they are eligible under the official HR rules (assuming they exist) then let them go if they want to. Yes, they may just be interested in networking and yes, they won't be around long enough to transmit any long term benefit. But they may come back with one simple idea that will save or earn the city thousands over time, or, if they are denied sponsorship, they may think to themselves: "If I'm not good enough to go then I guess I'm not good enough to work, so just try and get anything out of me for the next 3 months". That will cost the city a lot more than a couple hundred bucks.

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  3. Have you ever attended the League Conference. A few days of walking around the exhibits grabbing whatever you can for free and party at night. Well, maybe attend a meeting or two to make it look good.

    Signed,
    Been There, Done That

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  4. So nice to know that our officials put Plainfield's interests first. Follow the leader.

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