An email interview about leadership with Spokane City Council President Ben Stuckart.
You are a community leader. How does your system of values, ethics, or faith if you have one, guide your leadership decisions?
Stuckart: I believe decisions are informed by your experiences, your belief system, upbringing and what your personal story. Each person has a unique story that guides them.
Would you tell me about your system of values, ethics or faith?
Stuckart: I like Aristotle definition of what good is. Doing the right thing at the right time for the right reasons.
I also always go back to a lesson my father taught me. The organization he worked for had massive federal budget cuts. He was very upset that evening and I asked him why? He explained that we live in a capitalist society and we benefit from it. But capitalism only survives if there are people on top and on the bottom of the economic ladder. He explained that if we benefit from the system we then have moral responsibility to take care of those at the bottom.
Can you please give me an example of how you have applied your ethics to being a leader?
Stuckart: I try to use these frameworks on every issue that we vote on or on the over 100 bills I have sponsored in the last four years.
What do you look for in a leader?
Stuckart: Someone that stands up for what they believes in and is out front. People that support you behind closed doors but not in public are not leaders.
What do you think people in Spokane look for, in their leaders?
Stuckart: I think people like leaders who are clear about what they stand for, even if they may disagree with them at times.
How can we get the community to participate more in elections?
Stuckart:
- Get money out of politics
- Make voting day a holiday
What would you advise potential leaders in Spokane, such as the candidates running right now?
Stuckart: Work hard, knock on doors and be yourself.
How do you think we can best hold leaders accountable?
Stuckart: Elections are a great way to hold some leaders accountable. The media must also do its job.
