Understanding and wielding power in local government, with Daniel Golliher
Apr 24, 2025
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Daniel Golliher, founder of Maximum New York, dives into the complexities of civic engagement. He reveals the gaps in traditional political science education and emphasizes practical strategies for influencing local government. Golliher's concept of 'blue tape' encourages citizens to leverage everyday actions to make their voices heard. The conversation highlights how being involved in governance requires less expertise than many believe, mainly the willingness to engage and understand local dynamics.
Traditional political science education often fails to equip graduates with practical knowledge and skills needed for effective governance engagement.
The breakdown of the apprenticeship model in government roles highlights the urgent need for better training and mentorship for newcomers entering public service.
Active participation in local government, through initiatives like attending council meetings and discussing policies, significantly empowers individuals to influence community-focused changes.
Deep dives
The Inefficacy of Political Science Education
Current political science education often fails to provide students with a practical understanding of government operations. Graduates frequently lack even basic knowledge, such as the meaning of key terms like 'statute.' This points to a systemic issue where existing channels for civic training are either nonexistent or misleading. As a result, this disconnect raises concerns about the effectiveness of political engagement and understanding among graduates, ultimately hindering their ability to operate within government systems.
Challenges of the Apprenticeship Model
The traditional apprenticeship model for learning about government and politics is increasingly ineffective due to a lack of experienced mentors and the breakdown of existing institutions. Many who enter government roles often feel unprepared and overwhelmed, especially those transitioning from successful careers in private industries. This leads to a situation where capable individuals give up after initial challenges, resulting in a talent drain from public service. There is a pressing need to create clearer pathways for engagement that better equip newcomers to navigate the complexities of government.
Local Government's Underappreciated Influence
Many important policy decisions are made at the local government level, which is often overlooked in favor of federal politics. For instance, housing policies in cities like New York are heavily influenced by state legislation, impacting how growth and development occur. Variations in local governance create distinct challenges and opportunities that require skilled individuals to effectively address. By understanding local systems, citizens can engage with government more effectively and influence significant issues affecting their communities.
Effective Political Engagement Strategies
Understanding how to influence policy at various levels of government involves strategic communication and knowledge of procedural intricacies. Effective engagement requires identifying the right audience within the system, often bureaucratic staff who prepare reports and draft legislation. By positioning oneself as a knowledgeable contributor and addressing relevant constraints, individuals can influence decision-makers more effectively. Simple actions, such as crafting well-informed letters or engaging in local discussions, can yield significant impacts on policy outcomes.
The Importance of Local Action in Governance
Engaging with local government can yield substantial benefits and foster meaningful change within communities. Strategies like running for local office, attending council meetings, or participating in community discussions create pathways for personal involvement in government. These efforts not only enhance one's understanding of the political system but also cultivate a network of influence that can drive local policy initiatives. By recognizing that individual contributions matter, more people can take action to improve governance at the local level.
In this episode, Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) is joined by Daniel Golliher, founder of Maximum New York, to discuss the opaque mechanics of political power and how everyday people can effectively engage with government systems. They explore the stark gap between formal political science degrees and how politics actually works, practical tactics for influencing policy (like optimizing the printability of a blog post to placing well-timed calls to legislators), and Daniel’s concept of ‘blue tape’. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize that participating in governance requires far less expertise and connections than most people assume—mainly just the willingness to show up prepared.
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(00:00) Intro (00:33) The reality of political science education (02:45) The apprenticeship model in government (04:24) Challenges in government training (07:06) The role of legislative aides (10:33) Local government and housing policies (14:24) Effective political engagement (16:15) The power of communication in policy (20:26) Sponsor: Vanta (21:44) Witnessing government in action (31:29) Learning government and politics (32:21) LLMs and policy (35:10) Engaging with local politics (37:58) Influencing policy (43:25) Running for office (47:10) Blue tape (58:39) Wrap
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