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Los Angeles County, CA March 5, 2013 Election
Smart Voter

Accountability in Governance - Yj Draiman

By Yehuda "Yj" Draiman

Candidate for Mayor; City of Los Angeles

This information is provided by the candidate
Accountability ensures actions and decisions taken by public officials are subject to oversight so as to guarantee that government initiatives meet their stated objectives and respond to the needs ... of the community they are meant to be benefiting, thereby contributing to better governance and poverty reduction. Accountability is one of the cornerstones of good governance; however, it can be
Accountability in Governance - Yj Draiman Accountability ensures actions and decisions taken by public officials are subject to oversight so as to guarantee that government initiatives meet their stated objectives and respond to the needs ... of the community they are meant to be benefiting, thereby contributing to better governance and poverty reduction. Accountability is one of the cornerstones of good governance; however, it can be difficult for scholars and practitioners alike to navigate the myriad of different types of accountability. Recently, there has been a growing discussion within both the academic and development communities about the different accountability typologies. This Note outlines the present debate focusing on the definition and substance of different forms of accountability and considers the key role that legislatures play in ensuring accountability. What is Accountability? The notion of accountability is an amorphous concept that is difficult to define in precise terms. However, broadly speaking, a relationship where an individual or body, and the performance of tasks or functions by that individual or body, are subject to another's oversight, direction or request that they provide information or justification for their actions. Therefore, the concept of accountability involves two distinct stages: accountability exists when there is answerability and the obligation of the government, its agencies and public officials to provide information about their decisions and actions and to justify them to the public and those institutions of accountability tasked with providing oversight. Enforcement suggests that the public or the institution responsible for accountability can sanction the offending party or remedy the contravening behavior. As such, different institutions of accountability might be responsible for either or both of these stages. Why is Accountability Important to Governance? Evaluating the ongoing effectiveness of public officials or public bodies ensures that they are performing to their full potential, providing value for money in the provision of public services, instilling confidence in the government and being responsive to the community they are meant to be serving. What types of Accountability? The concept of accountability can be classified according to the type of accountability exercised and/ or the person, group or institution the public official answers to. The present debate as to the content of different forms of accountability is best conceptualized by reference to opposing forms of accountability. As such, the main forms of accountability are described below in reference to their opposing, or alternate, concept.

YJ Draiman

The Seven Responsibilities of Leadership

1. Set and achieve business goals. In warfare, a military commander is given the responsibility of achieving victory against the enemy. In business, each executive at every level is given the responsibility to achieve specific, measurable business victories or goals. The inability to get the required results, and to achieve the goals in a timely fashion, is the primary reason for failure, frustration and firing at every level, in every company, large or small.
2. Innovate and market. Apply the "CANEI Strategy" to your sales and marketing efforts. CANEI stands for "Continuous and Never-Ending Improvement." Never be satisfied. Look for new, better, faster and cheaper ways to market and sell your products, every day, every hour of the day.
3. Solve problems and make decisions. Whatever title appears on your business card can be crossed out and replaced with the words, "Problem-Solver." This is your real job. In solving problems, think and talk exclusively in terms of solutions. Focus all your attention on the specific actions you can take to solve the problem. Forget about the past and who is to blame. Focus on the future and what actions you can take now.
4. Set priorities and work on key tasks. One of your key responsibilities is to be working on your most vital task all the time and to assure that everyone who reports to you is also working on their key tasks. Always ask yourself, "What are my highest value activities?" If you could only do one thing all day long, what one task would that be?
5. Concentrate single-mindedly on the one activity that can make the greatest difference.Write down everything you have to do before you begin. Set priorities using an "ABCDE" system. An "A" task is something very important. An "E" task can be eliminated altogether. You can only get your time and life under control to the degree to which you stop doing certain things. Practice "creative abandonment" with tasks that no longer contribute to accomplishing your most important goals.
6. Perform and get results. Your ability to get results determines your pay, your promotion, your success and the respect and esteem in which you are held by the people around you. Ask yourself continually, "What results are expected of me?" Whatever your answer, work on these specific results single-mindedly. They are the major determinants of your success.
7. Be a role model for others. This is perhaps the most important responsibility of leadership. One of the marks of superior executives is that they conduct themselves as though everyone were watching them even when no one is watching. Top people set higher standards for themselves than others would set for them. Perhaps nothing contributes more to unity of command than for subordinates to work under someone they greatly respect and admire. Your commitment to becoming a great person, and to demonstrating your values in your every act, is perhaps the most important quality of leadership. In addition, make the employees feel as part of the company, they are your most important asset and the path to prosperity.

If any of the candidates for Mayor of Los Angeles 2013 intends to be successful in improving LA City government and the economic situation. They must first prove to the people of Los Angeles that they mean what they say and are prepared to abide by their statements. They have to rebuild the public trust in LA's city government; otherwise, we are back to the old games.

YJ Draiman for Mayor of LA 2013

YJ Draiman

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