2021/04/19 - Mayor's Column: Willing To Help
“An Open Door to O’Fallon”
A Weekly Note from Mayor Herb Roach
Sometimes, you hear people complain about government services and you wonder to yourself, is it totally true? Or is it because a certain individual just did not get things to turn out the way they wanted to suit their personal agenda?
Here in O’Fallon, we have done many things to make government more transparent and open to our citizens and businesses. This includes improving the efficiency of our process, automating many of our systems, and continuous training of our staff.
Recently, a few individuals went around to different counties and communities within the state to see how they were treated when they confronted staff with questions or asked for types of public information. Here are the comments that this group sent to your City after visiting not one but two of our City Facilities to gain information:
“I just want to compliment your Deputy City Clerk and the secretary at the Police Department. I often times encounter bad public employees so when I find them that do everything right, I try and compliment. Having the computer in the lobby of city hall for internet access and the employees willing to help those that aren’t comfortable with it is absolutely outstanding! Just wanted to say Thanks.”
This does not mean that everyone will always be happy with the outcome when dealing with the City. Sometimes, the result may not have been the way the person wanted it to suite their personal needs. When you have over 10,000 homes and businesses in your community, you must have policies and practices in place so that we are treating people equally and honestly.
As Mayor, I wish I could sometimes share the comments or show film the behaviors of some individuals when they come to discuss items with staff and want it their way and only their way. While 99.99% of the interactions we have daily are very kind and productive. Occasionally, there is a customer that becomes irate, and it has even gotten to the point where our staff has become fearful.
Matter of fact, we use some of those films to help train people on how to handle different types of behavior. It is also why we have had to put additional safeguards in place in our work areas.
But, in the end, our staff and elected officials are here to serve the public. It is our duty, and pleasure, to continue to serve all of you efficiently, effectively, and politely!
As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open!