President's Letter
By Martin Brady, Executive Director, Schools Insurance Authority

At the start of each New Year, many of us resolve to hit the reset button in one or more aspects of our lives. The urge to start anew can apply not only for individuals but to those of us in the public sector as we confront and attempt to "reset" the myriad challenges we face.

 

The power of pause and reflection can help to achieve the reset we may be seeking. The brain's intelligence is served by merging it with instinct and creativity, which often requires a more expansive process. In this momentary pause, two questions might assist us in cultivating greater creativity: 1) what brings meaning to me in my work? 2) What meaning do I bring to others in my work? This simple act may move us into strategic, innovative thinking and operating as noted by Kevin Cashman in The Pause Principle:

 

"Fast thinking is the domain of management transaction, whereas slow thinking is the leadership domain of strategic, innovative transformation."

 

Author Richard Bach had this to say of problems: "Every problem has a gift for you in its hands." Hit the reset button, pause, and reflect. Ask yourself how you can expand your perspective. You may notice that when you take time to reflect you are less in the "Do" mode and more in "Be" mode. Employees who see creative, reflective leadership are inspired to bring that out within themselves. Reset, Reflect, and Renew! 

Legislative Update
By Julianne Broyles, CAJPA Legislative Advocate, California Advocates

Legislature Rolls Back into Sacramento
 
December 3, 2012, marked the official beginning of what may prove to be one of the most interesting legislative sessions in many years. On that day, newly elected Assembly and Senate members were sworn in. While no session days where held in December, new and incumbent members set up offices, hired new staff and met within party caucuses to prepare for the new session priorities.
 
The November 2012 elections sent 10 new members to the Senate and 38 new members to the Assembly. Democrats in both the Assembly and the Senate were able to achieve a long-desired two-thirds majority. The new makeup of the state Senate is 29 Democrats and 11 Republicans. The state Assembly now has 55 Democrats and 25 Republicans. www.calchamber.com/governmentrelations/documents/elected_officials_roster.pdf
 
Supermajorities make it possible for one party to control all issues moving through the legislature, as supermajority votes permit changes to taxes, fees, local government voting requirements, the placement of constitutional amendments on statewide ballots and overrides of gubernatorial vetoes. 

Master Your Meetings: Robert's Rules in Real Life
By Ann G. Macfarlane, Professional Registered Parliamentarian, Jurassic Parliament

Newly elected chairs of risk pools and joint powers authorities are sometimes expected to start running their meetings with little or no training. Instead, it is assumed that they have "picked it up" as they attended earlier meetings of the group. While experience teaches us much, a little study can make a large difference and produce far better meetings.
 
We recommend reviewing the duties given by parliamentary law to the presiding officer (person running the meeting), and keeping this list handy. It's important to know what your responsibilities are - and what you are not responsible for. Above all, your role is to serve the group and assist it to make up its own mind. You are the facilitator, not the dictator.

 

Planning is in full swing for the CAJPA 2013 Conference!  We want to thank all of you who submitted information during our "Call for Topics" and look forward to some great sessions!
Final session selection will happen over the next month, so check the website in March to see our first draft of the agenda and program.
 
In February, reservations will open for all hotels (the Embassy Suites, Harrah's and Harveys).  Embassy Suites always sells out quickly, so if you need to stay on the "California" side, get your reservations in soon.  Please note that, as in the past, our hotels have some penalties for cancellations, so keep that in mind.  Check the CAJPA website for all particulars on the rates, cancellation fees, and general information.
 
We look forward to joining you on a great journey September 10-13, 2013, in South Lake Tahoe!