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KPBS Midday Edition

New Book By Encinitas Politicians Explains How To Work With The System To Enact Change

This undated photo shows vehicles in Encinitas.
Katie Schoolov
This undated photo shows vehicles in Encinitas.
A new book by two former Encinitas city officials explains what you need to know to make change. The book is called "Potholes, Parks, and Politics: A guide to getting things done locally (without having to run for office yourself).”

The cover of “Potholes, Parks, and Politics: A guide to getting things done locally (without having to run for office yourself)” is pictured.
Courtesy of Lisa Shaffer
The cover of “Potholes, Parks, and Politics: A guide to getting things done locally (without having to run for office yourself)” is pictured.

Lots of people complain about government, but don't do much to change things. Perhaps you’ve griped about potholes, or a new development in your neighborhood — even talked with the neighbors about the problem, maybe you even made a phone call to a legislator — but nothing seems to change. Maybe it's because you don't know enough about the ends and outs of how local government works.

A new book by two former Encinitas city officials offers tips for how to be successful in advocating for change within your local government. The book is called "Potholes, Parks, and Politics: A guide to getting things done locally (without having to run for office yourself).” It was written by educator and former Encinitas city council member Dr. Lisa Shaffer with help from former Encinitas mayor Teresa Barth.

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Shaffer and Barth joined KPBS Midday Edition on Wednesday to discuss the inspiration for the book and what it can teach readers.