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These may include everything from providing jobs to paving streets to making sure that <br /> children have enough playgrounds. <br /> As a policy maker, you are sometimes judge and sometimes advocate; you need to hear <br /> opposing views, consider the arguments, think about the concerns of the constituency you <br /> serve. Two major activities will help you shape policy systematically: setting goals and <br /> formulating the budget. <br /> • <br /> The four phases of the policy - making cycle are: <br /> I. Identify and analyze community needs. What do your constituents want? <br /> What program changes were the basis of your campaign? What long- standing <br /> problems require attention? What do staff studies of social and economic <br /> trends tell you about the future? <br /> 2. Analyze program and service alternatives and resources. How do you gather <br /> the resources you will need to accomplish the goals you have in mind? <br /> 3. Choose and implement programs. How do you gain the consensus of your <br /> colleagues on the Council - -or their cooperation in selecting programs and <br /> services? wWhat details do you provide to staff, and what do you leave to <br /> their discretion? <br /> 4. Evaluate program results. f -low well is the program being implemented? <br /> dDid you get what you expected? Is the program accomplishing what you <br /> intended it to? <br /> Elected officials are also called on to make decisions about more narrow issues raised by <br /> constituents- fixing potholes in certain neighborhoods, the protection and replacement of <br /> old trees, and the problem of minors hanging out in video arcades during school hours. <br /> These kinds of little issues can quickly eat up most of your time. <br /> However, it is the big issues that deserve most of your time and attention. <br /> In addition to learning how various policies are influencing the mission of your local <br /> government, you will want to review the roles of other elected officials, of the staff, of <br /> interest groups, and of individuals from other local governments and other levels of <br /> government in making policy. (Chapter 1. Book 1, ICd9.4 Elected Officials Handbook) <br /> Staff role: <br /> A full -time staff, hired for its expertise, also has a responsibility to help the Council <br /> formulate policy. The City Manager and the staff often make recommendations based on <br /> what has worked in other communities as well as organizational and financial feasibility, <br /> and present alternative strategies for the review and decision of elected officials. <br /> VII - 2 <br />