City Council Reform: We’re Starting the Conversation

I’ve thought for several days now how I wanted to proceed regarding the survey on Minot’s City Council. Whether you participated or not, the results raise serious questions about our community. And while I have my opinion on what the results tell us, in a community like Minot — where we all know and trust each other — starting a conversation on issues that require us to acknowledge hard truths is no easy task or one I take lightly.

However, it is a responsibility and a process that the Minot Voice was designed to facilitate, and we won’t duck the issue because it’s uncomfortable or because it shines an unfavorable light.

So, as I organized my thoughts and asked friends what they thought of the results, what they mean, and what we should do about them, the outline you see below emerged.

The content linked below is published separately, but each post is just a piece of a single, continuous thread. It will make the most sense if you follow in order.

1. The Outline: City Council Reform: We’re Starting the Conversation

You’re looking at it right now.

2. The Presentation: Minot’s City Council Compared to other Area Cities

As it turns out, we’re doing things differently in Minot than many of our surrounding neighbors. Learn how we do government here.

3. The Survey: Minot’s City Council: What do you think?

Almost 1300 people participated; the vast majority of them from Minot and many with very strong opinions. Take the survey.

4. The Results: About the Survey & the Results

City Council’s approval rating should be setting off alarms. See the full results and get the details on the survey here.

5. Commentary: The Wrong Conclusions

In order to begin building trust, we need to avoid settling on ideas that reinforce a destructive cycle.

6. Commentary: Are These the Right Conclusions?

The survey data tells a story. Are these the steps that lead us to a better Minot? Judge for yourself.

7. Editorial: Let’s Fix a Broken System and Restore Trust in Leadership

The Minot Voice weighs in on what we believe is a best path forward for building trust, restoring faith, and moving Minot forward.

8. Leadership Says: On Restoring Trust in Local Leadership

We’ve given local leaders the opportunity to share their thoughts. See what your elected leaders think about all of this right here.

9. #MakeMinot: Join the Conversation

It’s time for you to wake-up from your apathetic slumber. If you want to #MakeMinot better, all you have to do is accept responsibility for our government. We’ve got a few ways to help you do it.