Think about how many professional engineers who you know who serve in elected political office at the local, state or national level. For many of us, we might know one or two, or perhaps none. We’re busy doing engineering work, and besides, the political process couldn’t be further from an engineering thought process, right? Think again.
There are a number of common traits of PEs that would serve them well, and serve the public well, in service in elected political office, particularly at the local level. The knowledge of public works issues is an obvious benefit. The engineering thought process based on problem definition, alternatives and impact analysis, and implementation planning is another benefit. Much political discourse is shallower, and often based on a less than thorough understanding of both the problem and alternatives, and could benefit from a more deliberate process. And professional engineers are ethical by training, practice and nature; as ethical as any profession in general. Applying that ethical behavior to political service can be like a breath of fresh air. And we have an overriding commitment to preserving the public health, safety, and welfare. Public service in political office is a natural extension of that.
Serving in political office is not without its drawbacks. The process of running for office is likely contrary to the nature of most PEs – it’s seemingly self-serving to put out signs and distribute flyers. And who has time to go door to door to talk to people? But you can’t serve in political office if you don’t run for office, and the reaction of people in general to your background and interest in serving might surprise you.
In political office, you never can please everyone, and at times, even though you’re doing the right thing in the interest of the public, it may seem as if you are antagonizing one group after another. And newspapers can tarnish your reputation, through sensationalism or misunderstanding, even when you’re doing the right thing.
But engineers can provide a valuable public service in helping to shape public policy by serving in political office at all levels. Give it some thought. Serve on your local planning board, or your conservation commission. Run for city council or other elected office. Giving back to the public will come naturally for many professional engineers. It is what we do with our careers.
Regardless of your political persuasion, all can appreciate the longstanding mantra of the Kennedy family recently in the news: “from those to whom much has been given, much is expected”. Although the vast majority of PEs are in altogether a different context than the Kennedy clan in terms of that which has been given, the point remains valid to all.
There was a paper published last year by the American Society of Civil Engineers Journal of Leadership and Engineering Management about professional engineers serving in political office that is now gathering dust in engineering libraries everywhere. If you’re interested in reading more about PEs serving in political office, use this link.
