Public and Private Sector Jobs

As I mentioned before, I am working full time in the private sector during the council recess. I enjoy my private sector job and I believe it is healthy for anyone who runs for public office to keep their “day job.”  I like working in the software industry and helping different companies solve problems. I believe that my experience in private industry keeps my brain sharp and ensures that I don’t lose touch with reality.

I am not the first to keep my non-governmental job; Ken Yeager continued to teach and Chuck Reed continued with his law practice. These are two people I admire and who (in my opinion) are leaders worthy of emulation.

I consult with companies that design physical objects like optical networking, medical devices, biotech, consumer electronics, etc. These up and coming companies must move fast to survive. If they do not move fast enough, then another company will make a better, faster and cheaper widget. Their competition may come from anywhere in the world, so being organized and ready to seize an opportunity or defeat competition is paramount.

Launching a sophisticated product takes time and energy. Launching the product before it is ready will lead to disaster and possibly put a company out of business. Timing is everything for inventive companies.

I realize the wheels of government do not move at the same speed as in the private sector, nor does government have the best track record of planning well or using money wisely.  The survival skills in government do not exist like they do in the private sector since there is no risk of capital. I don’t want to lose focus of how important it is to plan ahead and use money as prudently as possible.

What government does do is provide for the needs of the community, and that is what the private sector lacks; although, to be fair, the majority of businesses that I work with are generous in funding specific causes and various non-profits. The reason I ran for office was to be part of keeping our neighborhoods healthy and vibrant. I take pleasure working in the community and with my council colleagues. As much as I enjoy the private sector, I am looking forward to returning to my council office in August.