Tales From the Trenches: Achievements, Blunders and Challenges in Local Government Management

"Tales from the Trenches: Achievements, Blunders and Challenges in Local Government Management" grew from a desire to inform everyone about the wonderful world of local government management. Whether you are a public administration student, a newly appointed supervisor, a top executive, an elected official or an inquisitive citizen you’ll be captivated by the true stories that depict real life local government management challenges and dilemmas. Scattered throughout the stories are tips presented by a wise old owl who brags about his seventy years of local government experience. Whether you agree with the owl or not, you’ll be intrigued with the insights and challenges that local government managers face. You’ll also be fascinated by one of the world’s most fulfilling careers.

"Tales from the Trenches" consists of eleven chapters covering such topics as: Leadership and Management Style, Decision Making, Communications, Human Resources Management, Budgeting Skills, Citizen Advisory Boards, Community Relations, Relations with Elected Officials, Media Relations, Ethics, and Career Issues. All of the stories appearing in this book were contributed by sixty active and retired local government officials located in cities, counties, and special districts throughout the United States.

"Tales from the Trenches" contains a Glossary, Bibliography and Index. An Instructor’s Manual is also available from the Training Shoppe.

Len Wood is President of Len Wood & Associates, a leading training and consulting firm to local government specializing in public management, team building, budgeting, performance measurement and organizational development. Len Wood spent over twenty-three years in local government, fourteen of which were as City Manager in the Cities of Rancho Palos Verdes and Claremont, California. Len has also served as a professor at the Graduate Center of Public Policy and Administration at California State University, Long Beach and Cal Poly Pomona. He has a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from California State University at Long Beach. Len is the author of four other local government books, the "Commissioner's Little Handbook", the "Little Budget Book", the "Elected Official's Little Handbook" and "Local Government Dollars & Sense: 195 Tips for Guarding the Public Checkbook".

Joe Baker is a retired City Manager who currently serves as a consultant to local government agencies. He specializes in management and organizational issues. His career in local government began as a police officer. He served in various capacities in law enforcement, and was subsequently appointed as a City Manager. Joe served as City Manager for the cities of Gladstone, Missouri; Burbank, California, and Orange, California. Joe has won several ICMA awards for his innovative approaches to local government. Since his retirement, he has devoted his time to volunteer work for the International City/County Management Association, and to various consulting assignments. Joe has a Chemistry Degree from Kansas City University and a Master of Public Administration from Kansas University.