OCU aspires to boost civic IQ
Electedcity officials often take office without a basic understanding of local government.
To shorten the learning curve, Oklahoma City University has created a certificate program for prospective city council candidates — and anyone else interested in city government — to provide a foundation in administration and governance.
Steve Agee, dean of Oklahoma City University's Meinders School of Business, took some questions from The Oklahoman about the Leadership &Public Administration Municipalities Certificate program, which is enrolling now for a seven-week course beginning Sept. 8.
Q: Is the need real?
A: Yes. Voters deserve candidates who are knowledgeable and prepared, who can be effective from the first day they take office. Many city council, school board and legislative candidates run because they have concerns about specific issues. While that is admirable, most lack the knowledge they need to tackle all the issues they will face. We want candidates to have
the tools they need to serve their constituents.
Q: Does the program cross into politics?
A: No. Our purpose is to offer nonpartisan, nonpolitical presentations on the fundamentals of good governance. Oklahoma is being torn apart by partisan politics. Politics has a role to play but it should be blended with a basic understanding of public administration and governance.
Q: Tell me about the program.
A: The program lasts seven weeks. Sessions are Saturday mornings, starting Sept. 8 with an overview of management and municipal governance led by Jim Couch, Oklahoma City's city manager. Topics include labor relations,
communications, open records and open meetings laws, municipal finance, economic development and incentives, and ethics. The program will wrap up Oct. 20 with a session on negotiations and dispute resolution.
Q: I see the faculty includes several Oklahoma City leaders, including former Mayor Ron Norick. What strategies or initiatives is Oklahoma City getting right?
A: Ron Norick, Jim Couch and other city staff have proved themselves in a variety of ways. The most obvious example is the city’s MAPS program, initiated by Norick in 1993. Voters have approved subsequent propositions that continue to move Oklahoma City forward. A case in point is last year’s Better Streets, Safer City initiative. Voters extended a temporary sales tax to fund citywide street improvements and approved a quarter-cent sales tax increase for public safety. Couch and other administrators have demonstrated their ability to use incentives to compete for economic growth on a national scale, bringing thousands of jobs to Oklahoma City. Amazon's new fulfillment center will soon create more than 1,700 jobs near Will Rogers World Airport. These are a few recent examples of what Oklahoma City has accomplished. The certificate program will present case studies and participants will gain fundamental perspectives that can be applied to any community.
Q: Who can participate?
A: Anyone interested in learning about municipal government, whether or not they're interested in running for public office. There are no prerequisites, no age restrictions.
Q: What if I live outside the Oklahoma City metro area?
A: Sessions will be streamed live on the internet, so anyone with a smart device and browser can view the class.