ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 provides a foundation for the reader to understand that public policy is set to meet the needs and values of our citizens, or to improve the quality of life in our communities. This book is directed to the needs of elected officials, managers, and managers-to-be (students). To insure this diversified audience begins at the same starting point, chapter 1 presents the philosophical approach local government officials use in their role as policy setters. They may look broadly at their constituency through the spectrum of a trustee, or more narrowly through the lens of a delegate. The central theme for this text-workbook is that policy should be centered on the public interest. Chapter 1 provides definition of the public interest using both historical and contemporary perspective. Establishing this conceptual framework for the public interest is critical for the remaining chapters of the book focus on tools that will identify the public interest. Each chapter is designed so the reader progressively builds and applies their policy setting knowledge. Chapter 1 uses a practical exercise where the reader identifies their personal philosophy as either a trustee or delegate, and then identifies whether the philosophy used by their government is based either on the public interest or, conversely, special interest.