It is also true that even the most sincere newly elected official comes to office in pursuit of a specific agenda or issue. It can be overwhelming for a new official to see the stack of paperwork, budgets, plans, bills, ordinances, and resolutions that he or she must deal with monthly if not weekly. And after sitting through the first board meeting with a new official, many staff members would agree that many are not fully ready to assume the duties of office. One would certainly think that the answer to that question lay with the officials themselves. In the American Experience, the answer to this question is obvious - elected office is not meant to be limited to some elite class but is open to all with an interest in participating.
Training is available to all new officials from several sources.
The Local Government Academy, serving Southwestern Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania School Boards Association offer training opportunities for new officials. The Local Government Academy's program in fact spans 11 sessions, including a Leadership Conference and mock council meeting. However, municipal and school district staff must realize that the task of governing is so imposing that at least part of the responsibility must be theirs as well. While the Local Government Academy and others can cover broad topics such as municipal zoning, ethics, budgeting and general operations that enable a new official to understand the overall process, only staff know the intricacies of dealing with issues and people in their municipalities. Under the direction of the manager, secretary, superintendent or other designated administrator, basic training for new officials is possible and essential.