How does local government recognize and show appreciation for our local elected officials?

OPINION:   Updated:  This blog covers the process, behaviors and actions of our local governments, including the City of Redmond, Lake Washington School District, and Evergreen Public Hospital.  I'm of the opinion the City of Redmond sets the "gold standard" for governments in our community.

One of the positive elements of city behavior is the recognition the CEO/Mayor gives councilmembers.  Mr. Marchione always gives the Council Committee Chairs the opportunity to explain and be recognized for their committee work.  Councilmembers work very hard outside of their Regular and Work Study meetings at chairing various committees.   The viewing public learns from these council committee reports and develops an appreciation and respect for the councilmembers' hard work.

No doubt, the viewing public would appreciate similar recognition for our Lake Washington School Board members, but we are not getting it.  CEO/Superintendent Kimball has been working hard to get the word out on the funding ballot issues.   But,  by law, only School Board members are allowed to "sell" the funding measures.  Maybe I'm wrong, but I've never seen Dr. Kimball and President Pendergrass recognize Board members by name for their individual work in promoting the bond and levies.  Without open recognition of specific efforts by individual school board members, the viewing public can't appreciate what our School Board members are doing to promote the bond. 

President Pendergrass gave accolades to three citizen-lobbyists' efforts at the last school board meeting, but didn't mention the name or effort of a single Board Member promoting the bond.   Superintendent Kimball appears as remiss about recognizing Board Members ballot efforts, but for the most part President Jackie Pendergrass is responsible for crediting the Superintendent and Board members.

I personally know Board member Ravi Shahani did some great work selling the bond to Redmond City Council.  I watched his presentation on TV.   But, what are the rest of the Board members doing?  And has Ravi done other work for which he is not being recognized? 

by Bob Yoder