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To: Jonathan <br />From: Bill Mori <br />Date: October 12, 2001 <br />Re: Mission Statement <br /> <br />“Why” and “For Whom” <br />Regarding the development of a Mission Statement for the Mounds View Charter Commission, I <br />suggest we begin by first identifying the purpose(s) of the mission statement and identifying its <br />audience(s). We will then have a benchmark by which to test our output. <br /> <br />“What” <br />Once we know why we are formulating the mission statement, we can identify, in plain English <br />statements, what we want the mission statement to say. Everyone should have the opportunity to <br />express what he or she would like to mission statement to communicate. Hopefully, with enough open- <br />minded dialog, we can come to consensus on a few (maximum three or four) key ideas that encompass <br />the wishes of everyone. Thereafter, the “Shakespeares” in the group can transform our everyday <br />English statements into an appropriately eloquent draft. The final step is to test the draft against our <br />benchmark purpose(s) and re-do as needed. <br /> <br />“Where” <br />After the Mission Statement has been created, it should appear where it can be a useful guide during the <br />normal and on-going activities of the Charter Commission. Unless it serves as a guidepost against <br />which we measure our future words and actions, it will rightly suffer the fate of most Mission <br />Statements and be forever forgotten. <br /> <br />My Input <br />Having said all the above, I would like to start the ball rolling with what I think the purposes of the <br />mission statement should be, and its audiences. <br /> <br />1. It should succinctly and clearly state the duties and responsibilities of the charter commission. <br />The audience is anyone seeking to understand the purpose of the Charter Commission. <br />2. It should guide the Charter Commission in determining what matters it will address. The audience <br />is primarily the commission but may also be of use to the city council and Mounds View residence. <br />3. It should provide a measurement of the quality and appropriateness our actions. The audiences are <br />the commission and the residents of Mounds View. <br /> <br />With these purposes and audiences in mind, following are some “idea statements”. Certainly some of <br />them overlap and could be consolidated, but this is just initial “brainstorming”. <br /> <br />1. Duties & Responsibilities of the Charter Commission <br />- to preserve and improve the charter <br />- assist the City Council in adapting the charter to meet the changing needs of the <br /> citizens of Mounds View <br />- insure that the charter is in conformance with state laws, guidelines & directives <br />2. Guide <br />- provide a platform for commission members and citizens of Mounds View to bring <br /> forward issues, obtain clarification and input ideas on charter-related matters <br />3. Measurement <br />- conduct our proceedings in a responsible and considerate manner <br />- represent the best interests of all citizens of Mounds View.