Advice from other elected officials

I get a magazine from the Iowa League of Cities, which Roland is a member of that organization. At their annual conference, they had elected officials (namely mayors and city council persons) write on a card with advice and tips to other elected officials. The magazine had an article with a bunch of the tips collected. Some are some pretty good advice. Some are a bit quirky. And some are good for anybody, not just elected officials. Thought I'd share some here.

The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas.
It is best to return emails and calls to persons you may not like, they still may respect you.
At some point you will have to pick between thinking about the next election or thinking about the next generation.
Seek out opposing opinions.
Once the vote is taken around the table, the issue is over.
Move on.
Support employees and treat the city staff with respect.
It's so simple to be wise in public life. Just think of something stupid to say and then don't say it.
You don't have to attend every argument you're invited to.
No surprises!
When someone hassles or attacks you during a council meeting, just smile, wait 5 days and then let the air out of two tires on their vehicle.
Sometimes it is not necessary to explain your vote. Your allies don't need it and your enemies won't believe it.
Make sure the city plow doesn't come down your street first.
Always read your council packet before the meeting.
Because something has always been done that way is not a good reason to keep doing it.
Chronic complainers are not the voice of the people.
You're not going to make everyone happy. Get over it.
Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criicize them, you're a mile away, and you have their shoes.
Often the public feels they don't know what is going on at city hall;work to communicate your decisions and information to the public.
Return all of your calls.
Ethical behavior is not an option.
Pick your battles, then come with armor.
Be careful not to make a decision based on one person or a very small group of people, you're a voice for all citizens.

Do you have advice for our city council (and mayor!)?. Post it here!