Working with staff is one of the least explained and most misunderstood parts of local government.
New commissioners often assume staff works with commissions, or for them.
That assumption creates confusion, tension, and sometimes real damage to relationships.
In this episode, we break down the basic structure:
Who staff actually work for
Why individual commissioners don’t give staff direction
And how misunderstanding these roles leads to frustration on all sides
This episode is about clarity, not criticism.
Because when roles are clear, collaboration becomes easier, calmer, and far more effective.
This is Patrick’s Poor Man’s Guide — local government, in plain English.
