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Be The Devil's Advocate 'The staff proposes and the Board disposes' — a simple phrase that covers the usual pro- cedure of Park Rec. The normal Board meeting, while public by law, is held with Board and staff only. Rarely does the citizenry bother to attend. The CBM becomes familiar with the staff, gains confidence in them, and normally sup- ports their proposals. This can be a trap for CBMs if you are not careful. Your responsibility is to the residents. Your job is to question all proposals to determine if they are well prepared, well thought out, and will benefit the residents. You are part of a small group given, the responsibility to act for the residents, all of them in your community. You may be hesitant, since you are ac- quainted with staff to embarrass them, by asking questions, expressing your concerns, and playing the "devil's advocate," but that is your role. When the proposal is adopted, the Board is responsible for it — and must stand behind it. S00000, be sure you agree with it... BEFORE... it is adopted. You don't want to end up with "egg on your face" when it reaches the residents. I Technical Jargon Park Rec like other fields seems to have developed a vocabulary of its own which is composed of words not in common usage. Most CBMs let the staff continue to impress each other until they start using the technical vocabulary on the CBM and the RESIDENTS. This is when you shut them off and demand they speak in a language that everyone understands to eliminate confusion and misunderstanding. The basic rule is, speak to me in a language I understand if you want me to understand what you are saying. con=ED? Kfl Administrator Taking Another Job? This is normal; everyone tries to better themselves. Talk to the ADM. W' is he or she leaving? it for personal growtl Or, is it something wrong in your town? The Board perhaps. Find out. If he or she has another job, normally you will get straight answers and you can identify the problem the next administratc can have a better chance of succeeding. Have him or her write a new job description of his position. He or she knows the job. He or she has been doing it satisfactorily, as he or she left voluntarily. Also have the ADM write a description of the community and the Park Rec agency, he or she knows what to include for applicants. Ask him or her for names that should be in- vited to apply for the position. And, get his or her recommendation as to who should be in temporary charge until a new person is on board. How to Fire Your Administrator Don't! You normally lose. If they are caught with their hand in the cash register or other illegal acts you have no choice. But, this happens rarely. What happens frequently is that com- munication breaks down for one reason or another and CBMs start saying among themselves'we gotta' get rid of this one. What happens? You have an emotional issue, the media is involved, tempers flare and it is unpleasant. But so you fire them, then what? Now you don't have anyone and the second part of the problem is you must find a replacement. This takes time and the agency stands still at best. 29