HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-12-2001 Mori email to Chair re Charter Mission statementTo: Jonathan
From: Bill Mori
Date: October 12, 2001
Re: Mission Statement
“Why” and “For Whom”
Regarding the development of a Mission Statement for the Mounds View Charter Commission, I
suggest we begin by first identifying the purpose(s) of the mission statement and identifying its
audience(s). We will then have a benchmark by which to test our output.
“What”
Once we know why we are formulating the mission statement, we can identify, in plain English
statements, what we want the mission statement to say. Everyone should have the opportunity to
express what he or she would like to mission statement to communicate. Hopefully, with enough open-
minded dialog, we can come to consensus on a few (maximum three or four) key ideas that encompass
the wishes of everyone. Thereafter, the “Shakespeares” in the group can transform our everyday
English statements into an appropriately eloquent draft. The final step is to test the draft against our
benchmark purpose(s) and re-do as needed.
“Where”
After the Mission Statement has been created, it should appear where it can be a useful guide during the
normal and on-going activities of the Charter Commission. Unless it serves as a guidepost against
which we measure our future words and actions, it will rightly suffer the fate of most Mission
Statements and be forever forgotten.
My Input
Having said all the above, I would like to start the ball rolling with what I think the purposes of the
mission statement should be, and its audiences.
1. It should succinctly and clearly state the duties and responsibilities of the charter commission.
The audience is anyone seeking to understand the purpose of the Charter Commission.
2. It should guide the Charter Commission in determining what matters it will address. The audience
is primarily the commission but may also be of use to the city council and Mounds View residence.
3. It should provide a measurement of the quality and appropriateness our actions. The audiences are
the commission and the residents of Mounds View.
With these purposes and audiences in mind, following are some “idea statements”. Certainly some of
them overlap and could be consolidated, but this is just initial “brainstorming”.
1. Duties & Responsibilities of the Charter Commission
- to preserve and improve the charter
- assist the City Council in adapting the charter to meet the changing needs of the
citizens of Mounds View
- insure that the charter is in conformance with state laws, guidelines & directives
2. Guide
- provide a platform for commission members and citizens of Mounds View to bring
forward issues, obtain clarification and input ideas on charter-related matters
3. Measurement
- conduct our proceedings in a responsible and considerate manner
- represent the best interests of all citizens of Mounds View.