Synchrone Fr

Heading home from #LGReimagined with a full heart (and a full stomach) — and a little extra sentiment, since Philly is where my dad grew up. Some of my earliest memories are tied to this city, which made spending a few days here talking seriously about democracy and the public trust feel more meaningful than I expected. ICMA - International City/County Management Association didn't shy away from the hard stuff: growing incivility, diminished public trust, polarization that makes every conversation harder than it needs to be. Julia Novak and Bob O'Neill have a gift for holding those realities without losing their grounding, and being in the room with colleagues who are wrestling with the same things — honestly, without pretense — is exactly what this profession needs more of. A special bonus was celebrating Melissa Termine Battite, CPRP at the Local Gov 250 ceremony on May 12, when 250 government champions (including Melissa) from all 50 states (plus DC and the Northern Marina Islands) were recognized “for exceeding expectations, embodying excellence, and driving community impact.” I was glad to be there alongside Christine Dean for that moment. A great day for the Town of Lexington ! The Code of Ethics. The friendships. The reminders that this work and our members matter. Taking all of it home (along with an extra 12” hoagie for the flight). #localgov #democracy #publicservice