DQ 7-2

DQ7-2.Responses 2,3

iIf I were the city manager, I would move forward with this policy if the council approved it. The council is responsible for doing a complete thorough review. Permits and regulations must be followed. If everything is in order, then the residential care facility deserves to be placed. As mentioned in the first DQ, the Fair Housing Act covers residential care facilities as well (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2011). I would expect some to disagree with my decision, but as mentioned in my first post, you cannot please everyone. As corny as it sounds, I would follow my heart as city manager and as a public administrator. You have to break it down in simple terms and do what is right. Do these neighbors have valid concerns as to why a residential care facility should not move in? Is it due to increased traffic in the area, or increase water consumption? What is there concern, we must hear them out and if so, then perhaps things may change for the care center. However, I did not see anything in the memo that proposes such issue to the matter. Therefore, as long as all the permits are in place and plans have been approved in regard to safety then we should move forward with the project.

Some other challenges expected would not only arise from angry neighbors, but perhaps angry politicians or public servants who might have different agendas. Perhaps failure of building the residential care facility somehow benefits a certain political group. Maybe concerned about securing votes for reelection or popularity contests. In the end, none of that should matter. Much of what Norton Long mentions in the text is true regarding this statement. He mentions that public agencies, departments, bureaus, and field offices are engaged in continual battle for political survival (Stillman, 2010). I interpret this as to why certain agendas are formed by our politicians in the first place. It is our jobs to do the right thing, and to voice our reasons behind it so that we can educate the public. They need clear concise definitions for our actions, and we need to be transparent with them. If this is achieved, then we will have better understanding and acceptance.

References

Stillman, R. (2010). Public Administration: Concepts and Cases.Retrieved from https://www.gcumedia.com/digital-resources/cengage/2009/public-administration_concepts-and-cases_9e.php

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2011). Fair Housing Equal Opportunity for All. Retrieved from www.hud.gov/fairhousing

3. If I was the city manager, I would implement the policy. The recommendations from the memo are in line with the letter of the law. A.R.S. § 36-582 states; the residents and operators of such a facility shall be considered a family for the purposes of any law or zoning ordinance which relates to the residential use of property (A.R.S, n.a). If the residential care facility took the proper steps to obtain all the permits and build out the residence based on the city code; then the residential care facility has every right to operate their business and provide the service to the community. If the residential care facility did not abide by the Town’s Conditional Use Permit for a residential care facility; then the Town would have every right to suspend or revoke their business license.

A few challenges that will occur would include frustrated individuals from the community, who have already offered opposition and concerns for this residential care facility. A couple questions from the residence might be; will this care facility affect my property values, how will this residential care facility impact my community and does the residential care facility have the proper permits to operate. The Town will have to continue to listen to the community and should hold a town hall or community meeting to offer a chance for the community to express their concerns. In some public meeting, official hope to learn more about citizens’ opinions and perspectives while informing participants about policies and the reason for them (Williamson & Fung, 2004). This meeting would be a great opportunity to get the community involved and educate the residents of community by offering material about the Fair Housing Act, A.R.S. § 36-582 and the benefit residential care facility bring to a community.

References

Arizona Revised Statues. (n.a) A.R.S. § 36-582. Retrieved from https://www.azleg.gov/ars/36/00582.htm

Williamson, A., & Fung, A. (2004). Public Deliberation: Where We Are and Where Can We Go? National Civic Review, 93(4), 3–15. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1002/ncr.66