Many of you are aware of the fact that I retired as the Quality Director for Cleveland Clinic Children’s on March 5. It was hard to say “so long” to the many people I had the privilege of working with on a day-to-day basis. I am very proud of all that we accomplished, but very excited to start the next chapter of my journey.
I am hoping that a key part of this next chapter will involve efforts to improve the accountability and effectiveness of our federal government.
I have articulated an introduction and set of basic principles below. I am looking for your feedback (wordsmithing and overall content), networking contacts (individuals and organizations), and any other suggestions on how I might support good government efforts.
My current thinking is that over the course of this year I will develop a web presence that contains additional information on each of the principles below. That presence could become a resource or repository that organizations and individuals can use to share information, mobilize efforts, and facilitate collaboration. Concurrently I want to better understand current government processes, be actively engaged in public policy discussion, and do what I can to support the work of some of the outstanding organizations that are already working on the principles I have detailed below.
There are many underlying factors that support the status quo and make change very difficult. However, I do think that the majority of Americans believe in the spirit of collaboration, respect, and problem solving necessary to make our government work for “we the people." This is a long-term journey that will clearly outlast my time on this earth.
I greatly respect the experiences, talent, and perspective of everyone on this distribution and would greatly appreciate your thoughts and feedback. Also, don’t hesitate to forward to others that might have an interest in this work.
There will likely be follow up communications as my work progresses. I completely understand I you don’t want to receive future communications. Just let me know and I’ll remove you from this list.
Thanks and take care.
Allan
Speak Up for Good Government
Nearly 250 years ago a bold experiment was started.
Designed to be a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, we have strayed from that vision.
Elected officials are employees of the voters. However, rather than acting as our employees, elected officials frequently focus their efforts on their donors, their party, and the next election.
We have a right to expect more. Our government should do an efficient job of carrying out the people’s business. Government processes and government officials should be the best of the best. Government should set an example, developing and utilizing processes and practices that achieve optimum solutions to complex problems.
Basic principles:
Free and fair elections where anyone that is eligible to participate can easily do so
Availability of accurate and unbiased information to help inform voting decisions
Shared commitment by all elected officials to problem solving
Respect for and embrace of opposing views
Legislative approach that allows for and empowers regional differences
Active partnership between the public and our elected officials
Expert input on legislative solutions
Strict rules to prevent conflicts of interest
A shared commitment to excellence, leveraging continuous improvement principles to drive government effectiveness
Comments