Ignite

Political Consulting

government

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Scientific Method: A Blueprint for Policy Development

We all sat through the science classes in junior high, middle school and high school. The scientific method was taught and we thought, “Here is another thing to memorize and never use again.” Much like many school lessons, this actually gave us a blueprint to think and problem solve. This can also give us an approach on how to develop policies.

  • Ask Question – This has to be identifying a problem. It is not a possible solution but a recognition of the problem. Don’t worry, we’ll get to the problem solving.

  • Background Research – Facts, Facts, Facts. This is the step where research is the key. The more information the better to create the next step.

  • Construct Hypothesis – The creation of a plan. Here is your idea on how to fix the problem that you have identified. No idea is too farfetched.

  • Test Hypothesis – This would be in science class where you hit the lab. In our process, we have a group of intelligent, honest people who can gave honest input on the hypothesis. You want to know the positive aspects of the hypothesis and even more importantly the flaws. Take copious notes so nothing gets missed.

  • Analyze Data – Review the notes from the previous step. Look for adjustments that can be made.

  • Share Results – Share the results with your group from the Test Hypothesis step. See what further feedback you can get.

There may be a few returns to step 3 to produce a strong solution. This will allow for a greater chance of success. The key is to get honest input and people willing to view things analytically.

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Focus on the Person Not the Position

Too often voters feel ignored. They have someone come to their door looking for their vote, yet that person doesn’t feel listened to. They feel like the candidate has someplace else to be or is just going their their lines. Does a candidate really expect a person’s vote if they don’t focus on them?

Candidates are only human. They have a lot on their plates but they need to manage that to be able to focus on the voters who ultimately control their political future. Most people are just looking to put a face to the name, but there are voters who want to discuss an issue important to them. If a voter is particularly passionate about an issue, they usually have a network of like minded people in the community. Listening to their views can often lead to a larger volume of support. People who are issue minded are also more likely to make their voices heard on election day with their vote.

Some tips and advice

  • Don’t look beyond the person in front of you- Listen, take notes, ask questions, show real interest. They may be able to educate you on their focused issue. Get their contact information to follow up.
  • Don’t look at your watch- Once you look at your watch, people know that you are not engaged. If time is that much of a concern, you scheduling is poor. When you are knocking on doors take your time and get to know the voters.
  • The next person may not be the best person- The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
  • You meet the same people going up as you do going down- My grandfather used to say this. Win or lose, this is your community. Do you want to be know as a glad hander or a stand up person.

A candidate needs to concentrate on people. You are asking people for the privilege of being their voice in government. Focus on them.

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One Size Does Not Fit All

One size does not fit all, one idea does not fix everything.

Simple concepts that are being ignored in today’s political landscape. Politicians are looking for the one issue that will appeal to all voters. They are accepting the premise that only one issue that may not even being focused on the community may dictate election results. People think their elected officials have the answer to everything. No one is infallible.

Each community has different challenges. What may appeal to voters in one district will not in another, many times even across a town. Candidates should speak to issues that impact their community. While it may seem by reading social media and talking to people that everyone is discussing issues beyond a candidate’s control, a candidate who focuses on their district will make the biggest difference.

Additionally, it is easy to get caught up in theoretical conversations that have the ability to alienate people. When running for an office like City Council, a discussion about the federal deficit is not fruitful and can be off putting. Discussing crumbling curbstones in a neighborhood is showing awareness and concern. Voters want someone who is engaged with the area not someone who just sits and reads about large scale issues unrelated to the office they seek.

Be present in your community if you want to run for office. Notice things, speak on local issues. you may need to point out issue to the community but that will show people that you want to advocate for them. Local politics involves local issues, voters will appreciate your concern and connection to the community.

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All Politics is Local

There is a classic quote about politics. The late Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Tip O’Neill said, “All politics is local.” Despite this brilliant quote, local politics are generally ignored or minimized. Yet issues that local government handles, have a great impact on everyday life.

People tend to focus on politicians and issues on a national level. That is what you see all over social media. Political parties support and help build national candidates and ignore municipal candidates. The resources of the national political parties do not go down to local candidates. Nor do the major political parties pay much attention to local candidates.

Part of the issue is that local politics is connecting to individual voters. National parties want to tailor messages to reach a wide array of voters. The one on one meetings are something that national parties want to avoid since their feeling is that it is too expensive for them. Instead the focus turns to larger issues that the media also focuses on. This allows marketing to go to a larger cross section of voters. The voters, in turn, see these issues and focus on them also. The parties help to create the focus on issues that will enable them to attract voters on a large scale.

What do people deal with daily on a local level? How about potholes? Potholes can impact a person in a number of ways. The pothole could destroy a tire adding an unexpected expense or maybe it is more insidious. It could just put your car out of alignment causing faster wear on your tires and lower gas mileage. This can have an impact on your budget. So should that be a focus when people go to vote. Should they look for a candidate that puts road maintenance as a priority? What about local education, rubbish removal, snow plowing and more? This does not even include the importance of police and fire protection that municipalities are responsible for in most cases. These are important issues that deserve attention. When people see piles of garbage in a neighboring lot, they don’t call their U.S. Senator, they call their city or town council person. So it seems important that these are important positions that require important and serious people.

Decisions made in town halls have an impact on people’s lives. Not just city and town employees but the people living on Elm Street. The local elected officials deal with multi million dollar budgets and contracts yet on election day they tend to be an afterthought in the whole electoral process. The local level is where governing happens, decisions are made and lives are impacted. This is also where your elected officials are the most accessible and relatable, you’ll see them at the supermarket or the baseball field. What affects you will be affecting them also. It is time that people and the political parties take interest in local politics, it is in their best interests.