On Tuesday October 2, 2012, Mayor Bell, Deputy Mayor Herwat, Jeannie Hylant, Aaron Baker, and Rose Toth Gallardo, along with government leaders, met todiscuss Annual Priorities for 2013. These priorities were recommended by leaders at the FoT Strategy Session on Sept 18th. Review and evaluate the priorities at the following link. Your feedback on these items will help to formulate the final set of priorities for 2013.
Strategic Action Plan 2013 – At a Glance
During the meeting, Mayor Bell highlighted two important criteria for success of the priorities: increased collaboration (communication) and making robust plans for implementation. Mayor Bell posed the question: What do you see as the relationship between government and community leaders that is necessary to take these projects to the next level?
Jeannie Hylant spoke about the process. She talked about how collaboration used to be a foreign word in Toledo. Building trust is the goal and we have pulled it off. This group of government wide leaders is the core of this initiative. Conversations need to be on-going, because as we take items off (accomplishments) we will be adding new items to the list. People are excited about Toledo, and we need to invite as many people as we can to be a part of this process. People in our community need to take ownership. She is very excited to be here and live in Toledo.
Aaron Baker spoke next, stating that he has served on several boards and has experienced a lot of silos. But, that is what makes this project so special. It encourages collaboration. He is pleased to work with Rose, Jeannie and Don on this collaboration effort. Aaron envisions that years from now we have a structure that works.
Rose Toth Gallardo spoke last and agreed with Aaron about how honored she is to be a part of this group. She is passionate about Toledo, and moved back from Columbus to start her business here. She loves that the communication within the group has grown, and is engaging others in the community. Engaging doers, and getting them engaged and helping their community. She is looking forward to that point where we are collaborating together with the community.
DM Herwat talked about the purpose of each priority. Look at each not from your own internal effort but from the people that you serve. What benefit to our citizen’s will come out of this?
Mayor Bell spoke once more asking; what do you want to see? Often plans are put together that sit on shelves, this (strategic plan document) is a working document. It will not sit on a shelf. What is important is your ability to have a say in these plans and to be part of seeing them become a reality.
