When Speed Meets Wisdom

Vol. III, No. 97 - Advocating for a Slower Local Government Decision Making in a Fast Paced Time

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The Power of Taking Time in Democracy

As I observe local government in action here in our hometowns, I'm still struck by how decisions that shape our daily lives often get made with little real discussion; three-reading rules often get waived and resolutions are approved with rarely a question asked. Granted, many of these decisions seem more formulaic and perfunctory, there are still many quiet voices around the tables that make important decisions.

From roads, to parks, to land use, our city councils and county commissioners make choices that affect every resident. And while we can admire the speed in which decisions are being made, I've come to believe we're asking the wrong question: does making decisions quickly always mean making good decisions?

The answer, I've learned, is no. While efficiency matters in government, I've seen how the rush to act can push aside the very people government exists to serve.

Learning from Ancient Wisdom

I recently read an article from the International City County Management Association that reminded me that good governance is not a new challenge. You can read the article here. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote about "practical wisdom" over 2,000 years ago. He believed that wise leaders must "deliberate well about what is good and expedient." This means taking time to think through decisions carefully, considering what truly benefits the community as a whole.

But Aristotle also understood something else that I find particularly relevant: groups make better decisions than individuals when they have time to discuss and debate. When many people contribute their different experiences and viewpoints, the final decision is usually stronger than what any one person could create alone.

Different Structures, Same Challenges

Here in Miami County, I see our communities using different forms of government. Piqua and Tipp City both operate under the council-manager system, where elected councils set policy and hired professionals handle day-to-day operations. Troy uses the more traditional mayor-council form, where an elected mayor serves as both a political leader and chief executive.

Despite these different structures, I notice that many communities, regardless of how they are governed, face similar challenges when it comes to transparency and meaningful public participation. I regularly hear from residents who feel that decisions get made without enough time for community input or real discussion about alternatives.

The Staff-Community Balance

I have great respect for government staff members and the important skills they bring to decision-making. Heck, I was one of those folks, I had the privilege of working for three local governmnets here in Miami County. For the most part, my colleagues understood budgets, legal requirements, and technical details that most residents do not. Their training helps them create proposals that follow the law and make financial sense. But sometimes, this expertise provides what I think of as "rigidity of thought" - a structured, logical approach to solving problems.

And I've also seen how this strength can become a weakness if it becomes the only voice in the room. Government staff, no matter how skilled, cannot fully understand how a policy will affect every family, every business owner, or every neighborhood. They may miss important consequences that seem obvious to the people who will actually live with the results.

In government, we are always well aware of the best practice that was tried in another community, often in another state. But, there is no gaurantee that works in a different place will work in our hometown. It’s not that people are necessarily different, but our communities have diffrent histories and different ideals. It almost feels that sometimes in local government, decisions aren’t made necessarily on shared values, but rather simply on a cloudy vision of efficiency and effectivness.

This is where I believe the broader community provides essential balance. Residents bring what I call "flexibility of thought" - the ability to see how policies will work in real life, not just on paper. They ask the questions that technical experts might overlook: "What about families who work night shifts?" "How will this affect elderly residents who don't drive?" "What happens to small businesses during construction?"

When Speed Becomes the Enemy of Good Decisions

I understand the pressure to act quickly in local government. State deadlines, grant applications, and emergency situations all create time pressure. I've watched staff members feel they need to present solutions rapidly to show they are doing their jobs well. I've seen council members worry that taking time to study an issue makes them look indecisive.

But I've come to believe this rush to decide can actually harm our community in several ways. First, it limits public input to brief comment periods rather than genuine discussion. Second, it prevents council members from fully understanding complex issues before voting. Third, it reduces the chance to find better alternatives or identify unintended consequences.

In my view, real deliberation requires more than public comment periods or formal hearings. It means creating opportunities for ongoing conversation between residents and elected officials. It means council members who see their role as more than just voting on staff recommendations. It means recognizing that our community's wisdom is just as valuable as professional expertise.

This doesn't mean I think every decision needs months of study. Routine matters can and should move quickly. But I believe major policy changes, budget decisions, and development projects deserve the time and attention that good deliberation requires.

Moving Forward Together

Our goal should not to slow government down unnecessarily, but to make sure that speed never replaces wisdom. When I see government staff and community members work together as true partners, decisions become stronger and more likely to succeed. When I witness elected officials take their role as deliberators seriously, they honor both the practical wisdom Aristotle described and the democratic values our communities depend on.

I believe good governance means finding the right balance between efficiency and thoughtfulness, between professional expertise and community insight. Here in our hometowns, I see an opportunity for us to show that local democracy works best when everyone has a real voice in shaping our shared future.

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