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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for Carl H. Neu

Parting Thoughts from Carl Neu - Local Governments: The America that Works

June 29, 2013  by  Carl H. Neu
Category:  Guest Author ,  Legislative Body

Earlier this year, I told Byron Katsuyama, Public Policy and Management Consultant, MRSC, I plan to retire by June 30. He asked if I would write a "parting thoughts" column as an MRSC Council/Commission Advisor. Answer: Yes.

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Local Government: "If You Can Keep It."

June 30, 2012  by  Carl H. Neu
Category:  Guest Author ,  Legislative Body

In 1787, Benjamin Franklin responded to a person who asked what sort of government will our nation have, "A Republic, if you can keep it." Franklin's maxim envisioned a wholly new nation imbued with the principles espoused in the Declaration of Independence and the wisdom embedded in the United States Constitution. RE: America Already is Europe, Arthur C. Brooks, Wall Street Journal, July...

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Why Do Our Meetings Take So Long?

March 1, 2012  by  Carl H. Neu
Category:  Council-Commission Advisor

Frequently, I hear the lament, "Why do our meetings last so long?" This guest author's experience and observations lead him to conclude there are usually three main reasons.

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Unintended Consequences of Policy Perspectives and Decisions

March 1, 2012  by  Carl H. Neu
Category:  Council-Commission Advisor

As public officials, elected or appointed, all of us assume we are dedicated, well-intentioned and hard working. But the realities and pressures of governing, managing and politics can invite or pressure us into making decisions that produce consequences or results other than those we intended.

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"The Future Isn't a Gift. It is To Be Achieved."

March 1, 2012  by  Carl H. Neu
Category:  Council-Commission Advisor

This quote, allegedly from Robert Kennedy, really rings true today given the daunting challenges facing our nation's federal, state and local governments.

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