The Value of Political Capital, Second Edition, Revised

Being a mayor for three terms and a local government official for over thirty-five years, the author has written a book to reveal how political capital is used to make government work, how a person's campaign can tell you a lot about how they will govern, and how circumstances can affect leadership. The book also covers working with unions, dealing with the press, and managing a fragmented government. The author's career has spanned interesting times and events, including being the first modern-day mayor for the City of Methuen after a charter change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 227 pages
Publication date: 27 May 2022
Publisher: Loom Press

Have you ever pondered the allure of becoming a mayor? Well, after serving three terms as a mayor and holding various positions in local and regional government for over thirty-five years, I can confidently say that I have a unique perspective on the role. Consequently, I penned this book to offer a glimpse behind the curtains, allowing you to gain insights into the inner workings of government.

Through this book, you will discover the strategic use of political capital to facilitate government operations. You will also learn that a person's campaign strategy can provide valuable insights into their governing style. Moreover, you will witness how circumstances can shape leadership and how public engagement can be a full-contact sport.

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to witness and participate in a wide range of intriguing times and events. For instance, I served as the first modern-day mayor for the City of Methuen after a charter change was approved to establish a city form of government. This transition brought about significant changes in the way the city was governed, and government officials had to adapt accordingly.

One of the most challenging events I encountered was the devastating fire that destroyed Malden Mills, one of the city's largest employers. This incident posed significant challenges, as it required us to protect the jobs and economy of the city. We had to implement various measures to support the affected businesses and individuals, including providing financial assistance and exploring alternative employment opportunities.

Another aspect of my career that posed unique challenges was the implementation of term limits in my community. While term limits were intended to ensure accountability and prevent long-term dominance, they also posed the risk of leaving important work unfinished. In such situations, it was crucial to prioritize the tasks at hand and make strategic decisions to ensure that the city's interests were protected.

Despite the challenges, my career has been incredibly rewarding. It has provided me with a wealth of funny memories and memorable events that have shaped my life. I hope that you will enjoy the story and gain valuable insights into the world of politics and governance.

Dimension: 203 x 139 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781735168968