Inside Firestone

Mayor Chad Auer Provides Guest Column for Times-Call

The Art of Disagreement

No one in their right mind approaches community leadership thinking they
will agree with everyone all the time. Whether planning an event with the
PTO, organizing a Church function or balancing a municipal budget,
disagreements are bound to arise. During my service as the Mayor of
Firestone, I have encountered numerous instances of conflict and
subsequently I have been learning the art of disagreement.

Along the way I have meet plenty of people who approach disagreement in a
less than artful way. When someone (or some group) proposes a counter point
or offers a different opinion than theirs, the un-artistic disagree’er
responds by lashing out, offering angry rebuttals or slinging caustic
comments that do nothing more than derail the discussion. Responding to
variances like an over indulged child who does not get their way, I have
observed, is not the formula for making sound public policy, nor is it
behavior becoming a community leader.

On the other hand, when conflicting perspectives surface, there is an
opportunity for artistic disagreement that can produce good policy as well
as honor the tradition of American statesmanship. I have learned that such
disagreements can be presented in a respectful and productive fashion.
Differences of perspective are not simply occasions to assign villains and
subsequently revile them; rather it is a chance to consider issues from a
variety of angles. The art of disagreement involves leveraging divergent
views toward a common sense solution.

Make no mistake; the art of disagreement is not to be confused with constant
capitulation. The rational leader must know where they stand – know their
non-negotiables, so to speak. For me, those include the US Constitution,
fiscal stewardship and public safety. Debates can rage about various minute
details, but I will stand my ground when it comes to these three pillars.
Looking ahead, 2010 will undeniably be a year filled with opportunities for
artistic disagreement. For example, marshalling growth will continue to be a
flammable issue in our region. Being pro-active requires each municipality
to create and amend long term master plans that attempt to prepare for the
future. What is an agricultural section of land today may become a high
speed rail station, a commercial center or an open space park in the future.
In order for coordinated and responsible growth to occur, master planning is
essential.

In 2010, all of the jurisdictions in our area will be updating or amending
official Master Plans. Longmont, Firestone, Erie, Mead, Frederick, Dacono,
Weld County etc… will be drafting plans, circulating ‘memorandums of
understanding’ and navigating a mountain of legal processes. Conflict will
most certainly arise. Cities, Towns and Counties will undoubtedly squabble
over boundaries. Each will cite various arguments that support the reach of
their plans, provide case citations and some may even advance radical
talking points from Copenhagen. The exchanges will likely raise blood
pressure and produce some exciting headlines.

I for one am committed to artistic disagreement in 2010. When master plans
over lap or when regional land use disputes arise, I will seek to understand
various perspectives and find common sense solutions. Whenever possible, I
will be looking for opportunities to collaborate.

That being said, I know when I am being bullied. I will not stand idle while
a few abscond the Constitutional property rights of land owners nor will I
allow others to infringe upon Firestone’s Constitutional right to think as
big as any other municipality. Just as I have done in the case of the Union
dispute, I will look for common ground and offer solutions, but when
necessary I will also defend the rights of Firestone in town hall, in the
news and in the courts.
I recently spoke about leadership at a local Girl Scouts meeting. As I
visited with the young ladies I was reminded of how important it is to
engage the issues with same expectations we have for our kids. When it comes
to our children, we do not tolerate bullies nor do we allow disagreements to
be handled with escalated emotional interactions.

Why would I share this with you? Because putting it in writing will help you
hold me to it! When leadership gets tense and my Irish gets going I need to
be reminded of my commitment to artistic disagreement.

Happy New Year and here is to a productive 2010.

Chad Auer
Mayor