When architects design buildings and planners lay out the products to be used, they put their best feet forward because, after all, the outcome of the project is something they want to use as a selling point for their next projects.
There's nothing wrong with that – they are business people performing in the present and trying to build business for the future as well. Many other businesses do the same thing, seeking growth.
This is where it gets tricky.
When you are trying to grow your business, you have an eye on the finances to make sure you can afford whatever you plan. When you're doing it with other people's money – well not so much.
That's when the people's watchdogs, elected officials, need to insure that they are up to the task of providing their constituents with the best "bang for their buck." If they aren't up to the task, they need to make sure that a qualified person is hired or appointed to represent them.
The elected officials represent the people and the qualified person represents the elected officials, thereby representing the people – whether they recognize that or not.
When elected officials hire or appoint an "expert" to review and comment on a major project, especially one that costs lots of taxpayer dollars, it is still the responsibly of the elected representatives to ask the questions and vet the findings of their experts.
There is quite a difference between needed, wanted, and extravagant and a satisfactory solution can usually be found within those ranges.
But you have to ask: do we need this or do we want this?
Also, I will have to pay for what I need, but how much am I willing to pay for what I want?
The job of elected officials isn't just to attend monthly meetings. The scope goes way beyond that.
Election season has begun. Know what you're getting into and what is expected from you before you throw your hat in the ring. Be prepared to present what you can contribute to your community as an elected official and share that with the people of your community, not just those at the party caucus meeting.
You accept the responsibility of doing a job for your constituents when you decide to run for office.
Elected officials need to remember that responsibility is total, once it's accepted.