By Eugene T. Lowe
August 1, 2011

Paul Maslin of Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3) presented to the mayors on the first morning of the Los Angeles Leadership Meeting on “Cities: The Last Remaining Redoubt of Public Confidence.” According to Maslin, mayors are the last remaining refuge or redoubt of public confidence as compared to other political officials. He noted that his firm is based in Madison (WI), the city that was recently in the headlines as its state and state officials wrestled with very contentious political problems. Hardly noticed was the mayoral campaign and election that took place in the city. Regardless of who was elected, Maslin said, “People believe that a mayor will do a pretty good job.” In fact, Maslin said, mayors have an overall approval rating of 60 percent.

When the question is asked: “How do you rate mayors?” and if you are talking about jobs and the economy, nobody does well. But on all other issues such as transportation and education, mayors get good marks. The only negative issue for mayors is in handling the local budget.

What accounts for the degree of confidence people have in their local leaders? Maslin said that, “Mayors’ actions are tangible. People have a close connection to the mayor. The buck stops with the mayor.” Maslin said further, “The public does not always like the decision of the mayor, but they have confidence in the decision.” But with respect to budget and deficit matters, there is a danger. Maslin cautioned, “Mayors must give people a sense that there is a way out of a difficult situation. They want basic services to be taken care of.”

Citing the HBO series “The Wire,” Maslin said, “Though fictional, it presented a good description of cities.” Mayors have to deal with problems like those featured on the show. Maslin added, “You have to be straight with the public, that things are going to be fair.”

Finally, Maslin described how and what mayors can do to shape public debate. “You can be a real advocate at the state and federal level. You have a legitimate voice; you are an advocate for people,” he said. Conceding that one side of the public debate at the federal level appears not to listen to those who represent cities, Maslin said mayors must still let their voices be known to those who will hear them. “People expect you to stand up. Get out there and be heard. What is the downside?”