The survey covers form of government, initiatives for referenda and recall, selection and composition of elected officials.

The survey covers form of government, initiatives for referenda and recall, selection and composition of elected officials.

When he became county administrator in Stafford, Virginia in January 2008, Anthony Romanello began monthly Random Thoughts as a way to connect with Stafford’s one thousand employees.  In 76 editions of Random Thoughts, Anthony reflects on public service, fatherhood, and middle age, and he thanks the men and women of Team Stafford for their work in building a great community.

Mike.Conduff@TheElimGroup.com | 940-453-3116 (Mobile) | 940-382-3945 (Office) | www.TheElimGroup.com

• Do you care about the environment?
• Do you want your community to be a fiscally responsible leader in the sustainability movement?
• Good.  This book is for you!

From wall wart reduction to hybrid police cars to major projects like energy efficient street relighting, cities and counties all across the country are examining their energy use and carbon emissions and implementing solutions.  Many are doing it because it is the right thing to do.  Some are doing it as part of community wide citizen led initiatives.  Others are simply trying to save money any way that makes sense.

Bottom Line Green is our attempt to honor the leading edge communities and to encourage the rest.  In local government, where the reward for risk is small, few cities or counties want to be first, but almost all want to be first to be second.  For those of you who have been first – many thanks!  For those of you waiting to be first to be second – the time is now!  The trail has been blazed.  Being "green" and adding to the bottom line; saving the planet while saving money is an achievable reality.

With a foreword by ICMA Past President Michael Willis, this 2009 book was a trail blazer for many cities around the United States, Canada, and internationally. Co-written with Jim Hunt, past president of the National League of Cities and founder of Amazing Cities.

Mike.Conduff@TheElimGroup.com | 940-453-3116 (Mobile) | 940-382-3945 (Office) | www.TheElimGroup.com

Life in the fishbowl of public management is never easy, often lonely, occasionally heartbreaking and always rewarding.  It truly is one of the few areas in government where a single individual can make a huge impact on the quality of life for entire communities.

This collection of thirty-five true stories with real learnings from seasoned professional managers showcases the commitment that these experts bring to their field.  The stories are inspiring, insightful and instructional.  They will make you laugh, cry, and shake your head in amazement at the dedication of these incredible professionals who help make democracy work.

Contact Mike Conduff at mike.conduff@democracyatthedoorstep.com for purchase information.

Mike.Conduff@TheElimGroup.com | 940-453-3116 (Mobile) | 940-382-3945 (Office) | www.TheElimGroup.com

• Do you want to be a better board member?
• Do you want your board to provide true leadership?
• Good.

Meet Joe Victor.  Successful in his personal, professional, and civic life.  Sought after as an executive and as a board member.  Seen as a paragon of accomplishment by friends, family, and peers.

But it wasn’t always this way.  Midway through his career Joe had felt as if he was being bombarded from all sides.  His job was demanding, his family was growing, and the volunteer positions he had accepted were becoming overwhelming.  He felt like he was spending lots of time at board meetings but not really getting anything worthwhile accomplished. Like so many of us, Joe was ready to “throw in the towel,” resign his board positions, and seek success elsewhere.

Fortunately Joe’s wife, Patricia, saw his distress and introduced him to Natalie Benson.  In turn, Natalie convinced Joe to seek the "OnTarget way."

Join Joe as he shares his journey of discovery and accomplishment, and learn the eight indisputable behaviors that distinguish high achieving board members from all the rest.  Attend a board meeting and see how the behaviors transform any board – non-profit, for-profit or civic, into a high performance team.

Told in an engaging and compelling story fashion, and examined through the eyes of Ivan John, a reporter for the Sunday News, Joe’s recipe for excellence—the eight indisputable behaviors—are brought to life.

NOTE FOR ICMA MEMBERS – This is a transformative book for your elected officials.  It provides an easy to read (and remember!) template for successful council meetings and a “job description” that fits nicely into the council-manager format.

Price: $25.00 (Includes shipping and handling). Contact Mike Conduff at mike.Conduff@TheElimGroup.com for purchase information.

Mike.Conduff@TheElimGroup.com | 940-453-3116 (Mobile) | 940-382-3945 (Office) | www.TheElimGroup.com

Co-written with Brian Tracy and leading experts from around the world, this book is a best seller on Amazon.  My contribution explores a governance topic familiar to ICMA members – how boundaries can empower your team and your life.

As adults, we have a tendency to think of boundaries or barriers as limiting; something to break through or blow by, when in reality a thoughtful boundary can be incredibly empowering and freeing.

How many of us know of someone who has lost a career or a marriage or a special relationship because they chose to transgress a boundary?  The fact is that thoughtful boundaries provide safety, security, and reward while encouraging everyone to do their best.

If you want to see an improvement in innovation, enthusiasm and performance in your teams, discover the freedom that thoughtful limits provide.  By letting go you really can go faster – and everyone enjoys the journey more!

Price: $20.00 (Includes Shipping and Handling). Contact Mike Conduff at mike.Conduff@TheElimGroup.com for purchase information.

$20.00

Mike.Conduff@TheElimGroup.com | 940-453-3116 (Mobile) | 940-382-3945 (Office) | www.TheElimGroup.com

The Success Secret was a multilist best seller on Amazon. Jack Canfield (of "Chicken Soup" fame) headlined this incredible collection of stories from all walks of life.

My contribution deals with the importance of knowing what your target is before you try to hit it.  Based on a thirty year career in local government and almost a decade of consulting with city councils and other boards of directors, I have come to believe that the lack of clarity surrounding desired outcomes is the most significant shortcoming in the governance process.

In true “Chicken Soup” style I tell a story and then draw conclusions that will absolutely resonate with professional local government administrators.

Jack’s contribution underscores this point.  As he talks about “success made simple,” he says, “Most people never take the time to sit down and design the life they want to live.”  In my words, they never fully clarify their target.

An easy and entertaining read!

Price: $20.00 (Includes shipping and handling). Contact Mike Conduff at mike.Conduff@TheElimGroup.com for purchase information.

This ICMA signature survey, conducted every five years, examines the service delivery choices, practices, and policies of local governments. Survey topics covered include adopting, evaluating private service delivery and obstacles in private service delivery.