Peg Chapados [Submitted]

Vice Mayor Peg Chapados invites all City Council candidates, or anyone interested in learning more about what serving on City Council involves, to a free 90-minute workshop entitled: Top 10 Lessons Learned on City Council. The workshop is Feb. 27, 7-8:30 p.m., in Council Chambers at City Hall.

“Serving on City Council is a ‘learn the job by doing the job’ endeavor. There aren’t a lot of classes, books or courses that offer ‘how to” instructions,” said Chapados. “What I am sharing are important lessons I’ve learned as a member of City Council.”

Chapados was originally appointed in November 2012. She was elected to a four-year term in 2014 and unanimously voted vice mayor in December 2017. She  serves on the Budget, Finance & Operations (BFO) Council Sub-Committee and as a Council Liaison to the Age-Friendly, Cultural Affairs and soon-to-be Arts Committees, as well as the Board of Adjustment and Planning & Zoning Commission. She is active on the City of Maricopa Housing Needs Assessment Steering Committee, Housing Plan Committee and the Subdivision Ordinance Review Committee. She is also a sustaining Platinum MAP (Maricopa Advocate Program) member.

“There’s more to being on Council than just meetings,” Chapados said. “There are expectations and requests that demand your time. You must find a balance between everything you want or need to do with what your schedule will allow. Knowing all this ahead of time helps prepare you and your family for what lies ahead during the campaign and if you’re elected.”

Topics covered in the workshop are:

  • It’s All About You/Who? – elected officials, politics and public service
  • 24/7/365 O.J.T. – what is this, and how does it impact your position/life
  • Icebergs & Governance – perceptions, scope, and so much more!
  • The “easy” part
  • O.I. – it’s much, much more than what you think
  • SMEs – Who? What? When? Where? Why?
  • Connecting the “DDOTS” – influences & resources for effective and positive decision-making
  • The ART of asking – questions and answers are just the beginning
  • Building something – economic development, or something else?

Chapados will share her experiences and tips as well as some programs and initiatives that she has successfully brought forth during her tenure on Council.

“Now is the time to prepare and learn all you can. If you’re elected, your first decisions happen right after you take the Oath of Office. You begin making decisions and fulfilling your duties at your first meeting. There’s no waiting period and the learning curve begins with every action you take.”

She will also share strategies and steps that candidates can take advantage of today. “I encourage all council candidates to attend, ask questions, and learn what’s involved and expected if you are elected to City Council. The more you can learn now, the better prepared you will be.”

There is no need to register in advance, but if you have questions, you can contact Vice Mayor Chapados at [email protected].

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