The Pronouns We Use

Posted by on January 19, 2007

I shared the podium yesterday in Oklahoma City with its Mayor Mick Cornett who was giving his State of the City address.

Among the things he said that resonated for me was this:

"I believe that elected leaders should monitor and judge their effectiveness by the pronouns their citizens use. Oklahoma City is moving forward largely because its citizens so identify with its success. Oklahoma City is our city. And its success is a reflection on what we?ve done. MAPS showed us what we could do for ourselves.

"And MAPS for Kids is of course providing incredible progress for the capital needs of our inner-city school district, but it is also meeting the needs of the suburban districts. All 24 school districts that educate kids that live in Oklahoma City are receiving money from MAPS for Kids... Millions of dollars for education. This is what we are doing for our schools. This is what we are doing for our kids and our future."

That's the line missing from too many job signs on public projects. They usually list the top government official and members of the relevant legislative body, but nowhere are citizens -- the taxpayers who paid for the project -- mentioned.

I like Mayor Cornett's attitude.

More on MAPS in a later blog...