And Arizona could learn from Sonora
We recently published stories about Sonoran state government officials connecting one-on-one with needy residents; government methods and metrics for societal progress; and state government executives who were certified in governmental transparency.
They all represent government practices in Mexico and Sonora that could also be beneficial to American society.
Interpersonal connections
In January, the state director of the National System for Integral Family Development (DIF) visited one-on-one with residents in marginalized communities in Southern Sonora.
She brought products and financial assistance to support the establishment of micro-businesses in the communities.
And last week, Governor Claudia Pavlovich visited communities in Hermosillo and the Sonoran Sierra. Her trips were also to connect directly with residents and provide aid.
These citizen interactions generated media publicity and were politically beneficial.
But there are other ways to get headlines. It was impressive to see state leaders meeting and listening to residents in need. Showing their concern for the less fortunate. And helping.
Report cards for social progress
In Mexico and Sonora, government officials receive ratings to show performance on social progress. On areas like nutrition. Access to higher education. Water and sanitation. Basic medical care.
Sonora has a state secretary of social development who, along with the governor, takes ownership of the consolidated social metrics.
And Mexican states are ranked based on how well they are meeting their citizens’ needs.
In the United States, these areas may be tracked by government agencies or watchdog groups.
But there is no comprehensive integration of results, nor are they directly connected to the performance of government officials. They should be.
Especially in a state like Arizona, where there is always room for improvement in areas like educational outcomes, poverty rates and housing availability.
A certification in government transparency
Transparency is critical to effective and honest government administration.
It is hardly mentioned in the U.S., except for stories about how straightforward governments are in responding to freedom-of-information requests and general perceptions about transparency.
In Mexico, government transparency is especially important because of widespread corruption. Governments at all levels claim to have a transparent government, although many do not.
Because of this, Mexico has implemented training to teach public administrators about how to run a transparent organization.
In Sonora, Governor Pavlovich has made transparency a main goal of her administration.
And this month, executives of the state’s 13 agencies were certified by an independent authority to have proficient knowledge in transparency. It was the first state in the Mexican Republic to accomplish that task.
How that training translates to improvements in transparency remains to be seen. But it was an important step.
Transparency training and certification for Arizona state officials could increase confidence in the government. And it may help to avoid lawsuits for violations of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Conclusion
In all, the common thread in Sonora’s activities is executive state leadership that is more responsive, invested in social issues and transparent.
And Arizona could benefit from a similar approach.