Group Work - Questions for Council Candidates

Editor's Note - Welcome to first installment of Questions for Council Candidates. Over the last two weeks, Hyattsville Patch sent a 15 part questionnaire to candidates running in this year's Hyattsville City Council election. The questions, developed with the help of Hyattsville Patch readers, probe the candidates thoughts on city policy, development, and also asked the candidates to do a little self reflection. 

Between now and May 6, Hyattsville Patch will be publishing their responses to each question to help you, the reader, make a more informed decision at the polls on May 7. Here now are the responses to the first question. Responses are organized alphabetically by ward. 

Question - Describe how you approach working as a group.

Ward 1 Candidates: 

William Jenne - Editor's Note - Jenne's response to this question was added after this post was published. Jenne, citing work and family obligations, did not submit his responses to the candidate questionnaire until May 2, well after the publication deadline, and well after the first seven candidate responses had been published. 

When I’m in a group I always strive to build consensus around the ideas that I believe best solves the problem. I have a point-of-view on most issues, but I know that I don’t have all the answers and I’m always looking to support and amend my colleagues’ contributions. Everyone who knows me says that I’m a congenial, easy-going guy who can get along with pretty much everyone and will work towards a common goal. On the other hand, I’m not a yes-man and if I don’t agree on the substance of an issue I won’t rubber-stamp it. And I believe that almost all the details of even the thorniest issue can be negotiated on in a way that’s fair to all parties – and it can be done in a friendly way.

Bart Lawrence - My approaches are myriad and depend on the participants and issue at hand. In general, as issues arise, I ask questions, listen, discuss, look for shared interests and what’s best for all involved parties, develop an opinion, attempt to persuade, ask more questions, listen a bit more, and act, with the hope that our decision is properly informed, fair, and beneficial.

Ward 2 Candidates:

Robert Croslin - I listen to what all parties have to say, try to see it from their point of view, and then express my opinion.  If I disagree, I would do so with respect.

David Hiles (Incumbent) - I approach group work in an open, collaborative, listening manner, with an interest in compromising to achieve results.

Ward 3 Candidate: 

Patrick Paschall - I work well as part of a group – in my professional life I am a member of many coalitions.  Some of these coalitions I lead and in others I am a participant.  This means that sometimes I take an active role in shaping the discussion, whereas other times I am more effective in competently executing the tasks which I am assigned.

Every group needs leaders and followers, and a good leader knows how to be an effective follower when it is appropriate.  I intend to be a leader on City Council, working with others toward common goals and creating room for discussion, modification, compromise, and consensus.  This often means knowing when to take a step back and let someone else’s skills, expertise, experiences, world view, and perspective take the lead.  I understand that the only way to move forward is as a group, and I will work with other members of the Council to be an effective member of the group.

Ward 4 Candidates:

Ross Gateretse - Editor's Note - An earlier version of this article had Gateretse's responses mixed up. Here is his response to question 1: Working as part of a group is just another way of talking about teamwork. It is a good way of dividing work and increasing productivity. In graduate school, I was a student council director, and I regularly met student groups about school issues. By interacting with my fellow students I learned how to listen to what people are saying and not saying, to share different views and ideas, knowledge and experiences and help each other. 

Edouard Haba - In practical terms, working in a group means different sets of ideas, perspectives and positions. Based on my experience, I always keep an open mind and at the same time remain focused on the subject at hand. In other words, I listen strategically to all sides and try to come up with the best solution, which may be a compromise.

Ward 5 Candidates:

Pastor Herrera - Editor's Note - Herrera did not submit responses to this questionnaire before the publication deadline.

Joseph Solomon - Collaborative effort.  Each group member needs to participate in the discussion and development of a solution.  Each group member must be willing to comprise in order to advance the greater good.

Clayton Williams - I assume that everyone in a group wants the best outcome. I also assume that everyone will not agree on the final solution. While a group works to find a solution, I try to be professional and respectful. But, even with the best intentions, we can all slip up. I am quick to apologize when I do not live up to that ideal. I am quick to forgive when others slip as well. The important thing is to keep the group functioning and focused. We all want a council that works through issues, not one that fractures at the slightest disagreement.